Characteristics of a matrix proportional counter with circular anodes

The construction of a butt-end multicell matrix proportional counter (MMPC) is presented in the work. Each cell is a butt-end proportional counter with a cathode of 5 mm diameter and circular anode of 0.7 mm diameter. In the example of the 3 × 3 matrix, it is shown that the gas gain of the central cell depends on the potentials at the anodes of the peripheral cells, the drift electrode, the forming rings, and the surrounding metal parts of the structure. The amplitude characteristics were measured when the MMPC was filled with mixtures of 96.3% Ar + 3.7% Xe and 90% Ar + 10% CH4 at pressures of 620 Torr and 62 Torr. The calibration was carried out with α-particles and γ-quanta from a 238Pu source. For photons with energies of 7.5 keV, a resolution of 26% was obtained. We suggest that, based on MMPC, it is possible to fabricate recording surfaces of arbitrary configuration.