Some Developments of the Discharge Chamber

Abstract

A discharge chamber has been constructed with electrodes of transparent metallic mesh. By the addition of quenching agents, mainly I₂ vapor, to noble gases at atmospheric pressure, and the use of pulses of one or several microseconds duration, it is shown that a great number of discharges connecting the two electrodes can develop simultaneously, starting from the ionized path of a particle. Pulses in the microsecond range of 2 to 3 kV/cm are used, thus allowing the easy operation of large sensitive volumes. Tracks of good resolution are observed, with a variation of the luminosity as a function of the primary ionization. Repetition rates up to 10⁴/sec are reached. Sparks following the trajectory of particles inclined at angles of 45° with respect to the electrodes are observed.