A multiball read-out for the spherical proportional counter

TL;DR

This paper introduces a multi-ball read-out system for spherical proportional counters, enabling improved electric field tuning and segmentation, thus enhancing large-volume detector capabilities with potential 3D imaging.

Contribution

The paper proposes a novel multi-ball read-out design that overcomes limitations of traditional single-ball systems in large, high-pressure spherical detectors.

Findings

Enables electric field tuning in large spherical detectors

Allows detector segmentation with individual ball read-out

Transforms the detector into a spherical time projection chamber

Abstract

We present a novel concept of proportional gas amplification for the read-out of the spherical proportional counter. The standard single-ball read-out presents limitations for large diameter spherical detectors and high pressure operations. We have developed a multi-ball read-out system which consists of several balls sitting at a fixed distance from the center of the spherical vessel. Such a module can tune the volume electric field at the desired value and can also provide detector segmentation with individual ball read-out. In the latter case the large volume of the vessel becomes a spherical time projection chamber with 3D capabilities.