Reduction of the Natural Insensitive Time in G-M Counters

Abstract

The limitation on the Geiger-Müller counter insensitive time which is imposed by the presence of the positive ion space charge has been reduced by collecting the positive ions on the counter center wire instead of at the outer cylinder. The electronic circuit which carries out this process is described in detail. A reduction by another order of magnitude in the insensitive time or an insensitive time of about 2×${10}^{-5\mathrm{}}$ sec. is obtained with no indication that the limit of the new method has been reached. The general properties of an inverse counter are discussed. The mechanism of this mode of counter operation is explained with considerable evidence indicating the presence of three distinct ion collection regions for the negative center wire. A stable circuit useful as a research tool has been devised for use with a large variety of counters.