Electron cloud sizes in gas-filled detectors

Electron cloud sizes have been calculated for gas mixtures containing Ar, Xe, CO2, CH4, and N2 for drifts through a constant electric field. The transport coefficients w and D/μ are in good agreement with experimental data of various sources for pure gases. Results of measurements, also performed in this work, for Ar+CO2, Ar+CH4, and Ar+Xe+CO2 mixtures are in fair agreement with the calculated cloud sizes. For a large number of useful gas mixtures calculated electron cloud sizes are presented and discussed, most of which are given for the first time. A suggestion is made for an optimal gas mixture for an X-ray position sensitive proportional counter for medium and low energies. (orig.)