proportional counter tube
Noun: A proportional counter tube is a type of radiation detector. It is a gas-filled tube that produces an electrical signal. The key feature is that the size (amplitude) of each output electrical pulse is directly proportional to the amount of initial ionization caused by a single particle of radiation entering the tube. This allows it to not only count radiation particles but also measure their energy.
The term is used in technical contexts related to nuclear physics, radiation detection, and scientific instrumentation. - The laboratory used a proportional counter tube to measure the low-energy X-ray flux. - For accurate spectroscopy of alpha particles, a proportional counter tube is often preferred over a Geiger-Müller tube.
- Operating Principle: The tube operates in the "proportional region" of gas amplification, where the charge collected is linearly proportional to the initial charge created by the ionizing radiation.
- Gas Mixtures: Common fill gases include argon, xenon, or methane-based mixtures, often with a quenching gas.
- Proportional counter (n): A more common short form for the same device, often referring to the entire detection system including the tube and associated electronics.
- Proportional region (n): The specific voltage range in which the tube operates correctly.
- Geiger-Müller tube (n): A related but different type of radiation detector where the output pulse is independent of the initial ionization.
- Radiation proportional detector
- Proportional chamber (though this often refers to a multi-wire variant)
- To operate in proportional mode: Describes using a gas-filled detector under specific voltage conditions to achieve proportional response.
- The detector must be operated in proportional mode to distinguish between different particle types.
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counter tube whose output pulse is proportional to number of ions produced
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