Detector and method for detection of ionizing radiation

A method for detection of ionizing radiation in a detector comprising a chamber filled with an ionizable gas, and including a first and a second electrode arrangement, substantially in parallel with each other, a radiation entrance, an electron avalanche amplification arrangement including an avalanche cathode arrangement and an avalanche anode arrangement, and a read-out arrangement, said method comprising:

• introducing a radiation beam into the chamber between and substantially in parallel with the first and second electrode arrangements, for ionization of the ionizable gas, such that the radiation beam is firstly introduced into a first section of the chamber having a first distance between the first and second electrode arrangements and is then introduced into a second chamber section having a second distance between the first and second electrode arrangements, the first and second distances being different;
• applying a first voltage between the first and second electrode arrangements for drifting electrons created during ionization towards the electron avalanche amplification arrangement;
• applying a second voltage between the avalanche cathode and avalanche anode arrangements for avalanche amplification of said electrons;
• and
• by means of the read-out arrangement separately detecting electron avalanches, and/or correspondingly produced ions, derivable mainly from ionization in the respective chamber section.

A detector for detection of ionizing radiation comprising:

• a chamber filled with an ionizable substance, and including a first and a second electrode arrangement, substantially in parallel with each other;
• a radiation entrance arranged such that radiation can enter the chamber between and substantially in parallel with the first and second electrode arrangements and ionize the ionizable substance;
• an electron avalanche amplification arrangement for avalanche amplification of electrons created during ionization;
• and
• a read-out arrangement for detection of the electron avalanches and/or correspondingly produced ions, wherein
• the chamber is arranged such that radiation entering through the radiation entrance enters a first chamber section having a first distance between the first and second electrode arrangements and then enter a second chamber section having a second distance between the first and second electrode arrangements, the first and second distances being different;
• and
• the read-out arrangement is arranged such that electron avalanches, and/or correspondingly produced ions, derivable mainly from ionization in the respective chamber section are separately detectable.

A method for detection of ionizing radiation in a detector comprising a chamber filled with an ionizable substance, and including a first and a second electrode arrangement, substantially in parallel with each other, a radiation entrance, an electron avalanche amplification arrangement, and a read-out arrangement, said method comprising:

• introducing a radiation beam into the chamber between and substantially in parallel with the first and second electrode arrangements, for ionization of the ionizable substance, thereby firstly introducing the radiation beam into a first section of the chamber having a first distance between the first and second electrode arrangements and then introducing the radiation beam into a second chamber section having a second distance between the first and second electrode arrangements, the first and second distances being different;
• avalanche amplifying the electrons created during ionization;
• and
• by means of the read-out arrangement separately detecting electron avalanches, and/or correspondingly produced ions, derivable mainly from ionization in the respective chamber section.