The performance of a UV sensitive multiwire proportional chamber filled with TMAE

Abstract

We tested a low pressure multiwire proportional chamber filled with TMAE under various conditions. The asymptotic quantum efficiency (infinite thickness) for gaseous TMAE was measured to be 8% at 210 nm. No signal could be extracted from an adsorbed or condensed layer of TMAE. However, we expect that such a device with gaseous TMAE could be very efficient (> 50%) in the 100–180 nm range for detecting UV light, especially for astrophysical applications.