A Novel Detector for 2D Ion Detection in Low-Pressure Gas and its Applications

A detector array for single-ion registration was developed and studied. The detector array was operated with various working gases, including propane, air, and water vapor at low gas pressure (a few mbar) in a limited Geiger mode, providing single ion sensitivity. The patterned detector structure, comprising sub-millimeter hole diameter, millimeter pitch, ground and 2D readout electrodes, were manufactured using standard PCB technology. A glass cathode was utilized to allow the limited discharge mode of operation. Essentially, the new detector is a combination of a hole-type micro-pattern detector and a resistive plate counter operating at reverse polarity in a low pressure gas. It was demonstrated that the unique combined properties of these well established individual detectors in the low pressure gas environment allows for single ion registration through ion-impact induced discharge confined inside an individual cell (hole) of the detector array. Possible applications of the new ion detector in gas chromatography - mass spectrometry and track structure imaging for radiation protection and hadron therapy are briefly discussed.