A drift chamber telescope for heavy ion track detection with high spatial resolution

M. Hof, Universität Siegen
J. Isbert, Universität Siegen
K. D. Mathis, Universität Siegen
M. Simon, Universität Siegen
T. G. Guzik, Louisiana State University
J. W. Mitchell, Louisiana State University
J. P. Wefel, Louisiana State University
H. J. Crawford, Space Sciences Laboratory at UC Berkeley

Abstract

A drift chamber telescope was exposed to heavy ion beams at the LBL Bevalac in Berkeley, California, to study the spatial resolution obtainable for a variety of different heavy ions. The conclusion from this study is that it is feasible to measure the tracks of heavy ions with excellent spatial resolutions using different signal processing techniques, as long as the drift chamber is operated with only moderate charge amplification, in order to eliminate δ-ray effects. Using constant fraction or center of charge gravity timing, drift chambers can determine heavy ion tracks with excellent precision and spatial resolutions clearly below 100 μm. © 1989.