A parallel-plate resistive-anode gaseous detector for X-ray imaging

A novel gaseous detector, based on parallel-plate gas amplification with a resistive anode and remote readout electrode, is described. The detector is significantly less prone to discharges than other gaseous wireless detectors and unique in its ability to achieve high gain at high counting rates. A local counting rate > 5 × 10⁵ counts/mm²-sec at a gas gain of up to 10⁵ has been achieved in a 14 × 14 cm² area detector for diffraction applications. The detector radiation hardness is characterized by the anode accumulated charge > 100 Coul/cm². The detector is sealed and its re-gassing period is estimated to be 5-10 years. The operating characteristics of the new detector, its spatial resolution, and linearity are described and preliminary X-ray diffraction data are presented.