A two-dimensional, single-photoelectron drift detector for Cherenkov ring imaging

A detector capable of imaging single photoelectrons has been constructed and tested. UV photons (>=5.4 eV) are converted to electrons with high quantum efficiency by photoionization of a small admixture (approx. equal to1 Torr) of an organic vapour TMAE in a predominantly methane drift and amplifying gas at atmospheric pressure. The produced photoelectrons drift in a uniform applied electric field to a picket fence of proportional wires where each electron is amplified, counted and timed. The two-dimensional source point of each photoelectron is uniquely determined by the hit wire address and the arrival time. The detector has been tested by measuring ionization electrons produced in the drift gas be relativistic charged particles. The limiting precision to which the electron source point can be determined has been measured to be 300 μm (r.m.s.) in the drift direction and 370 μm in the wire plane direction. Additional independent error sources due to electron diffusion in the drift gas have been measured to be proportional to the square root of the drift distance with a proportionality constant of 235 μm/cmsup(1/2) in both directions. Drift velocities of electrons in various predominantly methane gas mixtures have been measured as a function of the applied electric field. The utilization of such a two-dimensional single electron drift detector for Cherenkov ring imaging is presented with a discussion of the advantages and limitations of the drift method for imaging. (orig.)