Use of primary electron counting for detection of ultrasoft x-rays with a low-pressure multistep gaseous detector

Abstract

The use of primary electron counting techniques as an alternative to the more usual parallel plate avalanche chamber that has been employed in soft x-ray scattering experiments is being investigated at the National Synchrotron Light Source. The theoretical aspects of primary electron counting and motivation behind building a primary electron counting detector are described, as well as characteristics and future improvements of the device constructed at the NSLS. The detector consists of a low electric field drift region and a low pressure multistep avalanche region which can be operated with two or three stages of electron multiplication. The device has worked well in extensive tests as a simple parallel plate avalanche chamber, providing energy resolutions of 58% and 43% at 277 and 500 eV, respectively. Operated as a primary electron counter, preliminary results show an energy resolution of 38% at 500 eV.