The efficient identification of relativistic particles by transition radiationA system of transition radiation detectors has been constructed and exposed to beams of electrons and pions in the energy range of 3 to 15 GeV at SLAC. Transition radiation was generated in a variety of stacks of mylar foils (radiators), and its intensity was detected with 7 multiwire proportional chambers. The raw data demonstrate a good separation between electron and pion induced signals. A more detailed analysis shows that a very efficient identification of individual particles is possible. Typically, a detection efficiency for electrons above 90%, combined with a pion-electron discrimination ratio of .001, has been achieved. Some conclusions with respect to the design of a practical detector for relativistic particles are drawn.
Document ID
19740049160
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Cherry, M. L.
Mueller, D.
Prince, T. A. (Chicago, University Chicago, Ill., United States)