A planar avalanche counter with a thin resistive cathode for light ions

A new planar avalanche counter to detect the light ions, such as α-particles and low-energy nuclei of hydrogen isotopes has been constructed. With a thin resistive film as a cathode, the detector can operate safely even in the presence of single spark without serious breakdown consequences. Pure vaporous n-pentane and some freons were used as a working gas. Tests were performed with 5.5 MeV α-particles from the 238Pu source at various gas pressures