Simulation and minimization of nonlinear effects in backgammon-type multi-wire gas proportional counters

Abstract

The backgammon-type multi-wire gas proportional counter (MWPC) enables highly efficient detection of x-ray photons in two dimensions with good resolution and a wide range of energies and count rates. We develop a simulation which accurately describes the internal geometry of the detector and assists in the identification of several sources of nonlinear detector output. The sophistication of the model allows real solutions to be generated to minimize these effects. The result is an increase of 20% in the linear range, significant improvements to detector linearity, and improved output uniformity across both detector dimensions. These insights and methodology can be applied to other detector t..