High Rate Performance of Drift Tubes

TL;DR

This paper investigates how high rate irradiation affects drift tube performance, focusing on space charge effects, gas gain reduction, and drift time changes, and proposes ways to minimize resolution loss through gas selection.

Contribution

It provides calculations and measurements of space charge effects in drift tubes, analyzing how different gases influence gain reduction and drift time at high rates.

Findings

Gain reduction is similar across gases and unavoidable.

Drift time changes depend on the gas used.

Suitable gas mixtures can minimize resolution loss.

Abstract

This article describes calculations and measurements of space charge effects due to high rate irradiation in high resolution drift tubes. Two main items are studied: the reduction of the gas gain and changes of the drift time. Whereas the gain reduction is similar for all gases and unavoidable, the drift time changes depend on the kind of gas that is used. The loss in resolution due to high particle rate can be minimized with a suitable gas. This behaviour is calculable, allowing predictions for new gas mixtures.