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EP1320119A1 - Ionizing radiation detector and its manufacturing process - Google Patents

Ionizing radiation detector and its manufacturing process Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1320119A1
EP1320119A1 EP02354190A EP02354190A EP1320119A1 EP 1320119 A1 EP1320119 A1 EP 1320119A1 EP 02354190 A EP02354190 A EP 02354190A EP 02354190 A EP02354190 A EP 02354190A EP 1320119 A1 EP1320119 A1 EP 1320119A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
tube
tubes
wire
detector
ionizing radiation
Prior art date
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Granted
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EP02354190A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1320119B1 (en
Inventor
Jean-Claude Buffet
Bruno Guerard
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INSTITUT MAX VON LAUE - PAUL LANGEVIN
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INSTITUT MAX VON LAUE - PAUL LANGEVIN
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Publication of EP1320119A1 publication Critical patent/EP1320119A1/en
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01J—ELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
    • H01J47/00—Tubes for determining the presence, intensity, density or energy of radiation or particles
    • H01J47/02—Ionisation chambers
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01J—ELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
    • H01J47/00—Tubes for determining the presence, intensity, density or energy of radiation or particles
    • H01J47/001—Details
    • H01J47/002—Vessels or containers

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of detectors of particles or ionizing radiation, and in particular neutron, ⁇ or X-ray detectors.
  • FIG. 1 schematically represents the conventional structure of a cell 2 sensitive to ionizing radiation, using the same detection principle as the invention.
  • This cell comprises a conductive tube 4 filled with a gaseous mixture, sealed at its ends by insulating plugs 6.
  • a conductive wire 8, the ends of which pass through the plugs 6 in a sealed manner, is held taut in the center of the tube 4 by a spring 10 located inside the tube.
  • a positive electrical potential applied to the wire 8 by means of a measurement circuit 12 makes it possible to define inside the tube an electric field which is favorable to the drift and the amplification of electrons generated with the passage of ionizing radiation. which strikes the tube in a direction substantially orthogonal to the axis of this tube.
  • a resistive wire is used in a case where it is desired to carry out a position measurement along the tube by load division.
  • the measurement circuit then includes a reading electronics allowing a measurement of the load signal amplitude at each end of the wire.
  • Another operating mode, called “counting” uses electronics based on the comparison, with respect to a reference voltage, of the signal measured at one end of the wire.
  • the gaseous mixture contained in the tube is intended to be ionized by the particles which it is desired to detect, either directly, or after conversion into ionizing particles.
  • CF4 CF4
  • He 3 plays the role of converter
  • the CF4 that of the stop gas of the two ionizing particles (proton and triton) emitted. after capture of a neutron by an atom of He 3 .
  • the tube 4 and the pressure at which is trapped the gas mixture are highly variable.
  • the tube 4 can have a length of around one meter, a diameter of approximately 8 mm and a thickness of approximately 0.2 mm and the gas mixture can be trapped in the tube at a pressure of about 15 bars.
  • the realization of such a cell, which involves perfectly sealing the plugs 6 under high pressure, after positioning the wire, is particularly expensive. It is possible to provide means of individual padding for each cell, but this creates undesirable additional mechanical bulk.
  • the distance ⁇ between the inner wall of the tube 4 and the spring 10 conditions the maximum electric voltage or breakdown voltage that can be applied between the electrodes and the tube.
  • the uniformity of response of the cell is affected by the imprecision in centering the wire at inside the tube, and such wire centering is difficult to achieve by means of the spring 10.
  • the presence of the spring 10 in the tube and the difficulty of centering the wire 8 at spring 10 means limit the maximum amplification gain with which the detector can operate, which has direct consequences on detector performance (energy and position resolution).
  • An ionizing radiation detector is conventionally formed of several cells 2 whose tubes are juxtaposed and form a sensitive surface.
  • the operation of a cell depends on the quality and pressure of the gas mixture it contains.
  • it is difficult to manufacture several sensitive cells comprising the same gas mixture stable at long term and identical for all cells. It follows that no sensitive cell actually works identical to the others.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide a simple and inexpensive assembly of cells sensitive to ionizing radiation.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide such an assembly which is inexpensive to maintain.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide such an assembly composed of sensitive cells having a functioning homogeneous.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide such an assembly comprising sensitive tubular cells small diameter supporting a high amplification gain.
  • an ionizing radiation detector comprising a plurality parallel conductive tubes containing a mixture gaseous under pressure, a conducting wire being stretched in the center of each tube and suitable for being polarized with respect thereto, and comprising first and second sealed enclosures having each a wall provided with openings in which are tightly inserted the first and second ends of each tube, the ends of each tube being open.
  • a non-watertight centering means of the conductive wire is mounted at each end of each tube.
  • the wire is kept taut at at least one end of each tube to using a tensioning means arranged outside the tube.
  • the means of centering includes a cap of insulating material attached to the tube and provided with an axial bore suitable for guiding the wire.
  • the insulating material cap is crossed along the axis of revolution of the tube by a first cylindrical opening in which is slidably mounted a terminal enclosing the end thread, the tensioning means resting on the cap in insulating material and urging the terminal towards the outside of the tube, a second opening passing through the material cap insulating between the inside of the tube and the airtight enclosure which the tube is attached to.
  • the ends of the tubes have a smaller predetermined diameter to the diameter of the body of the tubes, the wall openings in which are inserted the ends of two adjacent tubes being separated by a space equal to the difference between the diameter of the end of the tubes and the diameter of the body of the tubes.
  • the present invention also relates to a method of manufacture of an ionizing radiation detector comprising the steps of: inserting the first and second ends of a plurality of conductive tubes in openings practiced in a first and second wall sealed enclosures so that the tubes are arranged in parallel ; fix simultaneously or one after the other by weld each end of each tube into the opening in which said end is inserted in such a way that inside the tubes and inside the sealed enclosures are tightly connected; and fill the speakers seals and tubes of a predetermined gas mixture at a predetermined pressure.
  • FIG. 2 schematically represents a detector 14 according to the present invention, comprising a sensitive surface formed by a juxtaposition of sensitive tubular cells 16.
  • Each sensitive cell 16 comprises a conductive tube 18 of which a first end passes through a metal wall 19 of a sealed enclosure 20 and the second end of which passes through a wall 21 of a sealed enclosure 22.
  • the ends of the tubes 18 are welded to the walls 19 and 21 of the enclosures 20 and 22 of such so that all the tubes 18 and the speakers 20 and 22 can be filled with a gaseous mixture under pressure.
  • the ends of the tubes 18 have a diameter less than the diameter of the body of the tubes.
  • Each sensitive cell 16 comprises a conductive wire 26, resistive in the case of a version with longitudinal location, maintained stretched in the center of the tube 18 by caps 28 and 29 respectively arranged at the ends of the tube 18 in the enclosures 20 and 22.
  • the caps 28 and 29 are also provided to ensure communication between speakers 20 and 22 and the tubes 18.
  • At least one of the enclosures 20 and 22 is connected to means not shown making it possible to create a vacuum and bring the gas mixture to the desired pressure.
  • the extremities conducting wires 26 are connected to bushings watertight electrics 30 arranged in the walls of the enclosures 20 and 22. These crossings are connected to a measurement circuit 12 via appropriate connectors.
  • the manufacture of the detector is particularly simple.
  • the tubes 18 can be assembled without welding to the walls 19 and 21, for example by simple insertion into openings practiced for this purpose in these walls.
  • the tubes can all be welded to walls 19 and 21 one after the other or all at once in an oven.
  • a variant of the present invention also provides for welding between them the adjacent tubes, so as to stiffen tube assembly. Simultaneous welding of all tubes of a detector according to the present invention represents a gain of particularly advantageous time and savings.
  • the walls 19 and 21 are joined to other elements to define the speakers 20 and 22. The interior of the whole is degassed then the desired gas mixture is introduced into the enclosures 20 and 22 and into the tubes 18.
  • the gas mixture contained in a detector according to the present invention can easily be exchange.
  • One detector filled with different gas mixtures can thus be used for the detection of several types of ionizing radiation.
  • a wall of each enclosure is removable to allow easy access to son of sensitive cells, and thereby easy replacement and inexpensive of a defective or damaged wire.
  • a set of tubes according to the present invention constitutes a single mechanical block, which eliminates assembly problems that arose with individual tubes according to the prior art.
  • Figure 3 shows one end of a tube 18 fixed to an opening in the wall 19.
  • the wire 26 is held stretched in the center of the tube 18 by a cap of insulating material 28 fixed to the end of the tube 18.
  • the cap 28 is passed through the along the axis of revolution of the tube through an opening cylindrical 34 in which is slidably mounted a terminal crimping 36.
  • the end of the wire 26 is crimped in the terminal 36.
  • a spring 38 bears on the cap 28 and urges the lug 36 towards the outside of the tube so as to hold the wire 26 stretched in the center of the tube.
  • An opening 40 crosses the cap 28 so as to communicate the gas mixture contained in the tube and in the enclosure 20 or 22.
  • the cap 29 fixed to the end of the tube 18 fixed to the wall 21 has a structure identical to that of FIG. 3, but does not include no spring 38.
  • the terminal 36 bears directly on the cap 29.
  • the centering and tensioning structure of the wire 26, comprising the caps 28 and 29, the lugs 36 and the spring 38, is not intended to ensure any tightness of the tube 18. It it follows that the realization of such a structure is particularly simple and makes it possible to maintain each wire 26 stretched precisely at the center of the ends of the tube 18 of each sensitive cell. It is thus possible to make cells sensitive formed of tubes 18 of small diameter and having a high amplification gain.
  • the structure comprising the caps 28 and 29, the lugs 36 and the spring 38 making it possible to make sensitive cells all having the same geometry, and sensitive cells all containing the same gas mixture at the same pressure, sensitive cells gain high amplification and perfectly uniform.
  • Figure 4 very schematically shows a top view in section of the tubes 18 of the detector 14 of FIG. 2.
  • the tubes 18, joined, are arranged in a plane so the sensitive surface of the detector is flat.
  • a detector according to the present invention may include a large number of tubes.
  • the present invention is capable of various variations and modifications that will appear to humans of career.
  • the invention has been described in relation with a detector whose sensitive surface is composed of sensitive cells arranged in a plane, but the human profession will easily adapt the present invention to a detector whose sensitive cells are arranged differently.
  • Figure 5 shows by way of example a view of sectional top of the tubes 18 of a detector according to a variant of the present invention.
  • the tubes 18 are arranged in a parallel, non-contiguous, staggered fashion along two parallel planes. Such an arrangement of the tubes allows in particular to improve detection efficiency. Tubes 18 not being contiguous, the diameter of the tubes 18 can be constant over their entire length.
  • Figure 6 shows a sectional view of tubes 18 of a detector according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention.
  • the tubes 18 are joined and arranged so as to form a substantially curved surface, for example following an arc.
  • the present invention has been described in relation to a detector comprising a group of tubes, the first and second ends are connected to first and second sealed enclosures, the sealed enclosures each comprising at minus a watertight electrical crossing 30.
  • FIG 7 is a sectional view of an enclosure waterproof 50 of a detector according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
  • the detector has a group of tubes 18, the first ends of which are connected to a wall 48 of the enclosure 50.
  • the second ends of the tubes 18, not shown, are fixed to the wall of a sealed enclosure such that enclosure 20 or 22 in Figure 2.
  • enclosure 50 the ends of the wires 26 located in adjacent tubes 18 are connected two by two, from which it follows that enclosure 50 does not has no waterproof connector 30.
  • Such a variant of realization allows to halve the number of channels of reading of the measurement circuit 12, and reducing the dead zone generated by one of the two speakers.
  • Figure 8 is a schematic sectional view of a tube of a sensitive cell of a detector according to a variant of the present invention.
  • Several cathode wires 42 are stretched in each tube 18 parallel around the central anode wire 26, significantly closer to this wire than to the wall of the tube.
  • Figure 8 is not drawn to scale for reasons of clarity.
  • Six cathode wires were represented in Figure 8 but any suitable number of cathode wires can to be used.
  • Caps attached to the ends of the tubes will then have around their axial opening a crown openings each intended to receive a conductive wire and the wires can be held in place by crimp terminals as described above, which will allow and simply maintain such a structure.
  • the cathode wires will be an intermediate potential between that of the anode and that of tube. There will thus be a first electric field called drift between the wall and the cathode wires and a second so-called amplification field between the cathode wires and the wire anode.
  • the drift and amplification fields can be independently optimized, which reduces the time required for collection of electrons generated in the tube by radiation.
  • cathode wires can be connected independently or in subgroups to provide angular information on the generation location of electrons.

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  • Measurement Of Radiation (AREA)
  • Light Receiving Elements (AREA)
  • Electron Tubes For Measurement (AREA)

Abstract

The ionization radiation detector has conductor tubes (18) in parallel with a gas mixture under pressure. There is a conductor wire (28) at the center of each tube at a set voltage. The ionizing radiation is directed orthogonally to the tube. There are first and second sealed enclosures (20,22) with openings for the tubes, and the tube ends are open.

Description

La présente invention concerne le domaine des détecteurs de particules ou de rayonnements ionisants, et en particulier des détecteurs de neutrons, de rayons γ ou X.The present invention relates to the field of detectors of particles or ionizing radiation, and in particular neutron, γ or X-ray detectors.

La figure 1 représente schématiquement la structure classique d'une cellule 2 sensible à un rayonnement ionisant, utilisant le même principe de détection que l'invention. Cette cellule comporte un tube conducteur 4 rempli d'un mélange gazeux, scellé à ses extrémités par des bouchons isolants 6. Un fil conducteur 8 dont les extrémités traversent de manière étanche les bouchons 6 est maintenu tendu au centre du tube 4 par un ressort 10 situé à l'intérieur du tube. Un potentiel électrique positif appliqué au fil 8 par le moyen d'un circuit de mesure 12 permet de définir à l'intérieur du tube un champ électrique qui est propice à la dérive et à l'amplification d'électrons générés au passage du rayonnement ionisant qui frappe le tube dans une direction sensiblement orthogonale à l'axe de ce tube. On utilise un fil résistif dans un cas où l'on souhaite réaliser une mesure de position le long du tube par division de charge. Le circuit de mesure comprend alors une électronique de lecture permettant une mesure d'amplitude de signal de charge à chaque extrémité du fil. Un autre mode de fonctionnement, dit "de comptage", utilise une électronique basée sur la comparaison, par rapport à une tension de référence, du signal mesuré à une seule extrémité du fil. Le mélange gazeux contenu dans le tube est prévu pour être ionisé par les particules que l'on veut détecter, soit directement, soit après conversion en particules ionisantes. Par exemple, on utilise dans le cas de la détection de neutrons un mélange CF4 et He3 dans lequel l'He3 joue le rôle de convertisseur, et le CF4 celui de gaz d'arrêt des deux particules ionisantes (proton et triton) émises après capture d'un neutron par un atome d'He3.FIG. 1 schematically represents the conventional structure of a cell 2 sensitive to ionizing radiation, using the same detection principle as the invention. This cell comprises a conductive tube 4 filled with a gaseous mixture, sealed at its ends by insulating plugs 6. A conductive wire 8, the ends of which pass through the plugs 6 in a sealed manner, is held taut in the center of the tube 4 by a spring 10 located inside the tube. A positive electrical potential applied to the wire 8 by means of a measurement circuit 12 makes it possible to define inside the tube an electric field which is favorable to the drift and the amplification of electrons generated with the passage of ionizing radiation. which strikes the tube in a direction substantially orthogonal to the axis of this tube. A resistive wire is used in a case where it is desired to carry out a position measurement along the tube by load division. The measurement circuit then includes a reading electronics allowing a measurement of the load signal amplitude at each end of the wire. Another operating mode, called "counting", uses electronics based on the comparison, with respect to a reference voltage, of the signal measured at one end of the wire. The gaseous mixture contained in the tube is intended to be ionized by the particles which it is desired to detect, either directly, or after conversion into ionizing particles. For example, in the case of neutron detection, a mixture of CF4 and He 3 is used in which the He 3 plays the role of converter, and the CF4 that of the stop gas of the two ionizing particles (proton and triton) emitted. after capture of a neutron by an atom of He 3 .

Les dimensions du tube 4 et la pression à laquelle est emprisonné le mélange gazeux sont très variables. A titre d'exemple, le tube 4 peut avoir une longueur d'environ un mètre, un diamètre d'environ 8 mm et une épaisseur d'environ 0.2 mm et le mélange gazeux peut être emprisonné dans le tube à une pression d'environ 15 bars. La réalisation d'une telle cellule, qui implique une soudure parfaitement étanche des bouchons 6 sous une haute pression, après positionnement du fil, est particulièrement coûteuse. Il est possible de prévoir des moyens de remplissage individuels pour chaque cellule, mais cela crée un encombrement mécanique supplémentaire peu souhaitable.The dimensions of the tube 4 and the pressure at which is trapped the gas mixture are highly variable. As for example, the tube 4 can have a length of around one meter, a diameter of approximately 8 mm and a thickness of approximately 0.2 mm and the gas mixture can be trapped in the tube at a pressure of about 15 bars. The realization of such a cell, which involves perfectly sealing the plugs 6 under high pressure, after positioning the wire, is particularly expensive. It is possible to provide means of individual padding for each cell, but this creates undesirable additional mechanical bulk.

La distance δ existant entre la paroi interne du tube 4 et le ressort 10 conditionne la tension électrique maximale ou tension de claquage pouvant être appliquée entre les électrodes et le tube. Plus le diamètre du ressort 10 est important par rapport au diamètre du tube 4, plus la tension de claquage, à laquelle des arcs électriques se forment entre le ressort et la paroi du tube, est faible. En outre, l'uniformité de réponse de la cellule est affectée par l'imprécision de centrage du fil à l'intérieur du tube, et un tel centrage du fil est difficile à réaliser au moyen du ressort 10. En pratique, la présence du ressort 10 dans le tube et la difficulté de centrage du fil 8 au moyen du ressort 10 limitent le gain d'amplification maximum avec lequel peut fonctionner le détecteur, ce qui a des conséquences directes sur les performances du détecteur (résolution en énergie et en position).The distance δ between the inner wall of the tube 4 and the spring 10 conditions the maximum electric voltage or breakdown voltage that can be applied between the electrodes and the tube. The larger the diameter of the spring 10 by relative to the diameter of the tube 4, plus the breakdown voltage, at which arcs are formed between the spring and the wall of the tube, is weak. In addition, the uniformity of response of the cell is affected by the imprecision in centering the wire at inside the tube, and such wire centering is difficult to achieve by means of the spring 10. In practice, the presence of the spring 10 in the tube and the difficulty of centering the wire 8 at spring 10 means limit the maximum amplification gain with which the detector can operate, which has direct consequences on detector performance (energy and position resolution).

Un détecteur de rayonnements ionisants est classiquement formé de plusieurs cellules 2 dont les tubes sont juxtaposés et forment une surface sensible. Le fonctionnement d'une cellule dépend de la qualité et de la pression du mélange gazeux qu'elle contient. Or, il est délicat de fabriquer plusieurs cellules sensibles comprenant un même mélange gazeux stable à long terme et identique pour toutes les cellules. Il en découle qu'aucune cellule sensible n'a réellement un fonctionnement identique aux autres.An ionizing radiation detector is conventionally formed of several cells 2 whose tubes are juxtaposed and form a sensitive surface. The operation of a cell depends on the quality and pressure of the gas mixture it contains. However, it is difficult to manufacture several sensitive cells comprising the same gas mixture stable at long term and identical for all cells. It follows that no sensitive cell actually works identical to the others.

L'assemblage de plusieurs cellules requiert une mécanique précise. En outre, lorsque plusieurs cellules sensibles doivent être utilisées ensemble avec un minimum d'espace entre les tubes, il est difficile d'assurer la continuité du blindage électromagnétique entre l'enveloppe du tube et le circuit de mesure 12 sans dépasser le diamètre extérieur du tube, ce qui a pour effet de créer des espaces morts entre les cellules, d'où une perte de sensibilité de l'ensemble. Cette contrainte, et celles imposées par le ressort intérieur 10, limitent le diamètre minimum des tubes à environ 7-8 mm. En outre également, une cellule sensible peut s'user et devoir être changée, par exemple si le mélange gazeux qu'elle contient a été dégradé sous l'influence de rayonnements reçus. Notamment, il est connu qu'un mélange gazeux de butane et d'argon contenu dans les cellules sensibles utilisées pour la détection de rayons X peut former des polymères autour des fils sous l'effet des radiations et dégrader le fonctionnement de la cellule sensible. Le remplacement d'une cellule est coûteux.The assembly of several cells requires a mechanical precise. Additionally, when multiple sensitive cells must be used together with a minimum of space between the tubes, it is difficult to ensure the continuity of the shielding electromagnetic between the envelope of the tube and the circuit of measures 12 without exceeding the outside diameter of the tube, which has the effect of creating dead spaces between cells, hence loss of sensitivity of the whole. This constraint, and those imposed by the inner spring 10, limit the minimum diameter of the tubes at around 7-8 mm. Also, a sensitive cell can wear out and need to be changed, for example example if the gas mixture it contains has been degraded under the influence of received radiation. In particular, it is known that a gaseous mixture of butane and argon contained in the cells sensitive used for X-ray detection can form polymers around the wires under the effect of radiation and degrade the functioning of the sensitive cell. Replacing of a cell is expensive.

Un objet de la présente invention est de prévoir un assemblage simple et peu coûteux à réaliser de cellules sensibles à des rayonnements ionisants.An object of the present invention is to provide a simple and inexpensive assembly of cells sensitive to ionizing radiation.

Un autre objet de la présente invention est de prévoir un tel assemblage qui soit peu coûteux à entretenir. Another object of the present invention is to provide such an assembly which is inexpensive to maintain.

Un autre objet de la présente invention est de prévoir un tel assemblage composé de cellules sensibles ayant un fonctionnement homogène.Another object of the present invention is to provide such an assembly composed of sensitive cells having a functioning homogeneous.

Un autre objet de la présente invention est de prévoir un tel assemblage comportant des cellules sensibles tubulaires de faible diamètre supportant un gain d'amplification élevé.Another object of the present invention is to provide such an assembly comprising sensitive tubular cells small diameter supporting a high amplification gain.

Pour atteindre cet objet, la présente invention prévoit un détecteur de rayonnements ionisants comprenant une pluralité de tubes conducteurs disposés parallèlement contenant un mélange gazeux sous pression, un fil conducteur étant tendu au centre de chaque tube et propre à être polarisé par rapport à celui-ci, et comprenant des première et seconde enceintes étanches ayant chacune une paroi munie d'ouvertures dans lesquelles sont insérées de manière étanche les première et seconde extrémités de chaque tube, les extrémités de chaque tube étant ouvertes.To achieve this object, the present invention provides an ionizing radiation detector comprising a plurality parallel conductive tubes containing a mixture gaseous under pressure, a conducting wire being stretched in the center of each tube and suitable for being polarized with respect thereto, and comprising first and second sealed enclosures having each a wall provided with openings in which are tightly inserted the first and second ends of each tube, the ends of each tube being open.

Selon un mode de réalisation de la présente invention, un moyen de centrage non étanche du fil conducteur est monté à chaque extrémité de chaque tube.According to an embodiment of the present invention, a non-watertight centering means of the conductive wire is mounted at each end of each tube.

Selon un mode de réalisation de la présente invention, le fil est maintenu tendu à au moins une extrémité de chaque tube à l'aide d'un moyen de tension disposé à l'extérieur du tube.According to an embodiment of the present invention, the wire is kept taut at at least one end of each tube to using a tensioning means arranged outside the tube.

Selon un mode de réalisation de la présente invention, à ladite au moins une extrémité de chaque tube, le moyen de centrage comprend un capuchon en matière isolante fixé au tube et muni d'un alésage axial propre à guider le fil.According to an embodiment of the present invention, at said at least one end of each tube, the means of centering includes a cap of insulating material attached to the tube and provided with an axial bore suitable for guiding the wire.

Selon un mode de réalisation de la présente invention, le capuchon en matière isolante est traversé le long de l'axe de révolution du tube par une première ouverture cylindrique dans laquelle est montée coulissante une cosse emprisonnant l'extrémité du fil, le moyen de tension prenant appui sur le capuchon en matière isolante et sollicitant la cosse vers l'extérieur du tube, une deuxième ouverture traversant le capuchon en matière isolante entre l'intérieur du tube et de l'enceinte étanche à laquelle le tube est fixé. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the insulating material cap is crossed along the axis of revolution of the tube by a first cylindrical opening in which is slidably mounted a terminal enclosing the end thread, the tensioning means resting on the cap in insulating material and urging the terminal towards the outside of the tube, a second opening passing through the material cap insulating between the inside of the tube and the airtight enclosure which the tube is attached to.

Selon un mode de réalisation de la présente invention, les extrémités des tubes ont un diamètre prédéterminé inférieur au diamètre du corps des tubes, les ouvertures des parois dans lesquelles sont insérées les extrémités de deux tubes adjacents étant distantes d'un espace égal à la différence existant entre le diamètre de l'extrémité des tubes et le diamètre du corps des tubes.According to an embodiment of the present invention, the ends of the tubes have a smaller predetermined diameter to the diameter of the body of the tubes, the wall openings in which are inserted the ends of two adjacent tubes being separated by a space equal to the difference between the diameter of the end of the tubes and the diameter of the body of the tubes.

La présente invention vise également un procédé de fabrication d'un détecteur de rayonnements ionisants comprenant les étapes consistant à : insérer les première et seconde extrémités d'une pluralité de tubes conducteurs dans des ouvertures pratiquées dans une paroi d'une première et d'une seconde enceintes étanches de manière que les tubes soient disposés parallèlement ; fixer simultanément ou l'une après l'autre par soudure chaque extrémité de chaque tube dans l'ouverture dans laquelle ladite extrémité est insérée, de telle manière que l'intérieur des tubes et l'intérieur des enceintes étanches soient reliés de manière étanche ; et remplir les enceintes étanches et les tubes d'un mélange gazeux prédéterminé à une pression prédéterminée.The present invention also relates to a method of manufacture of an ionizing radiation detector comprising the steps of: inserting the first and second ends of a plurality of conductive tubes in openings practiced in a first and second wall sealed enclosures so that the tubes are arranged in parallel ; fix simultaneously or one after the other by weld each end of each tube into the opening in which said end is inserted in such a way that inside the tubes and inside the sealed enclosures are tightly connected; and fill the speakers seals and tubes of a predetermined gas mixture at a predetermined pressure.

Ces objets, caractéristiques et avantages, ainsi que d'autres de la présente invention seront exposés en détail dans la description suivante de modes de réalisation particuliers faite à titre non limitatif en relation avec les figures jointes parmi lesquelles :

  • la figure 1, précédemment décrite, est une vue en coupe schématique d'une cellule sensible aux rayonnements ionisants classique ;
  • la figure 2 est une vue en coupe schématique d'un détecteur de rayonnements ionisants selon la présente invention ;
  • la figure 3 est une vue en coupe plus détaillée d'une extrémité d'une cellule sensible selon la présente invention ;
  • la figure 4 représente schématiquement une vue en coupe transversale du détecteur selon la présente invention prise selon le plan A-A de la figure 2 ;
  • les figures 5 et 6 représentent schématiquement des vues en coupe transversale de deux variantes de réalisation de la présente invention ;
  • la figure 7 est une vue en coupe schématique d'un détecteur de rayonnements ionisants selon une variante de réalisation de la présente invention ; et
  • la figure 8 est une vue en coupe schématique d'une cellule sensible selon une variante de la présente invention.
    • These objects, characteristics and advantages, as well as others of the present invention will be explained in detail in the following description of particular embodiments made without implied limitation in relation to the attached figures among which:
  • Figure 1, previously described, is a schematic sectional view of a cell sensitive to conventional ionizing radiation;
  • Figure 2 is a schematic sectional view of an ionizing radiation detector according to the present invention;
  • Figure 3 is a more detailed sectional view of one end of a sensitive cell according to the present invention;
  • Figure 4 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the detector according to the present invention taken along the plane AA of Figure 2;
  • Figures 5 and 6 schematically show cross-sectional views of two alternative embodiments of the present invention;
  • Figure 7 is a schematic sectional view of an ionizing radiation detector according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention; and
  • Figure 8 is a schematic sectional view of a sensitive cell according to a variant of the present invention.

    • La figure 2 représente schématiquement un détecteur 14 selon la présente invention, comportant une surface sensible formée d'une juxtaposition de cellules sensibles tubulaires 16. Chaque cellule sensible 16 comprend un tube conducteur 18 dont une première extrémité traverse une paroi métallique 19 d'une enceinte étanche 20 et dont la seconde extrémité traverse une paroi 21 d'une enceinte étanche 22. Les extrémités des tubes 18 sont soudées aux parois 19 et 21 des enceintes 20 et 22 de telle manière que l'ensemble des tubes 18 et des enceintes 20 et 22 peut être rempli d'un mélange gazeux sous pression. Les extrémités des tubes 18 ont un diamètre inférieur au diamètre du corps des tubes. Les ouvertures des parois 19 et 21 dans lesquelles sont insérées les extrémités de deux tubes adjacents sont distantes d'un espace égal à la différence existant entre le diamètre de l'extrémité des tubes et le diamètre du corps des tubes. Cet espace entre deux ouvertures adjacentes permet de réaliser facilement le soudage des extrémités des tubes aux parois 19 et 21. Les enceintes 20 et 22, réalisées en un matériau conducteur, sont solidarisées par des barres de renforcement 24 qui assurent la rigidité de l'ensemble sans faire écran au rayonnement incident sur les tubes. Chaque cellule sensible 16 comprend un fil conducteur 26, résistif dans le cas d'une version à localisation longitudinale, maintenu tendu au centre du tube 18 par des capuchons 28 et 29 respectivement disposés aux extrémités du tube 18 dans les enceintes 20 et 22. Les capuchons 28 et 29 sont en outre prévus pour assurer la communication entre les enceintes 20 et 22 et les tubes 18. L'une au moins des enceintes 20 et 22 est reliée à des moyens non représentés permettant de faire le vide et d'amener le mélange gazeux à la pression voulue. Les extrémités des fils conducteurs 26 sont reliées à des traversées électriques étanches 30 disposées dans les parois des enceintes 20 et 22. Ces traversées sont reliées à un circuit de mesure 12 par l'intermédiaire de connecteurs appropriés.FIG. 2 schematically represents a detector 14 according to the present invention, comprising a sensitive surface formed by a juxtaposition of sensitive tubular cells 16. Each sensitive cell 16 comprises a conductive tube 18 of which a first end passes through a metal wall 19 of a sealed enclosure 20 and the second end of which passes through a wall 21 of a sealed enclosure 22. The ends of the tubes 18 are welded to the walls 19 and 21 of the enclosures 20 and 22 of such so that all the tubes 18 and the speakers 20 and 22 can be filled with a gaseous mixture under pressure. The ends of the tubes 18 have a diameter less than the diameter of the body of the tubes. The openings of walls 19 and 21 in which are inserted the ends of two adjacent tubes are spaced a space equal to the difference between the diameter of the end of the tubes and the diameter of the body of the tubes. This space between two adjacent openings allows easily weld the ends of the tubes to walls 19 and 21. Enclosures 20 and 22, made in one conductive material, are joined by bars of reinforcement 24 which ensures the rigidity of the assembly without to shield the incident radiation on the tubes. Each sensitive cell 16 comprises a conductive wire 26, resistive in the case of a version with longitudinal location, maintained stretched in the center of the tube 18 by caps 28 and 29 respectively arranged at the ends of the tube 18 in the enclosures 20 and 22. The caps 28 and 29 are also provided to ensure communication between speakers 20 and 22 and the tubes 18. At least one of the enclosures 20 and 22 is connected to means not shown making it possible to create a vacuum and bring the gas mixture to the desired pressure. The extremities conducting wires 26 are connected to bushings watertight electrics 30 arranged in the walls of the enclosures 20 and 22. These crossings are connected to a measurement circuit 12 via appropriate connectors.

    Selon la présente invention, la fabrication du détecteur est particulièrement simple. Lors d'une première étape, les tubes 18 peuvent être assemblés sans soudage aux parois 19 et 21, par exemple par simple insertion dans des ouvertures pratiquées à cet effet dans ces parois. Lors d'une deuxième étape, les tubes peuvent être tous soudés aux parois 19 et 21 l'un après l'autre ou bien en une seule fois dans un four. Une variante de la présente invention prévoit également de souder entre eux les tubes adjacents, de manière à rigidifier l'assemblage des tubes. Le soudage simultané de tous les tubes d'un détecteur selon la présente invention représente un gain de temps et une économie particulièrement avantageux. Lors d'une troisième étape, les parois 19 et 21 sont assemblées à d'autres éléments pour définir les enceintes 20 et 22. L'intérieur de l'ensemble est dégazé puis le mélange gazeux souhaité est introduit dans les enceintes 20 et 22 et dans les tubes 18.According to the present invention, the manufacture of the detector is particularly simple. In a first step, the tubes 18 can be assembled without welding to the walls 19 and 21, for example by simple insertion into openings practiced for this purpose in these walls. During a second step, the tubes can all be welded to walls 19 and 21 one after the other or all at once in an oven. A variant of the present invention also provides for welding between them the adjacent tubes, so as to stiffen tube assembly. Simultaneous welding of all tubes of a detector according to the present invention represents a gain of particularly advantageous time and savings. During a third stage, the walls 19 and 21 are joined to other elements to define the speakers 20 and 22. The interior of the whole is degassed then the desired gas mixture is introduced into the enclosures 20 and 22 and into the tubes 18.

    De manière avantageuse, le mélange gazeux contenu dans un détecteur selon la présente invention peut facilement être changé. Un même détecteur rempli de différents mélanges gazeux peut ainsi être utilisé pour la détection de plusieurs types de rayonnements ionisants.Advantageously, the gas mixture contained in a detector according to the present invention can easily be exchange. One detector filled with different gas mixtures can thus be used for the detection of several types of ionizing radiation.

    De manière avantageuse également, une paroi de chaque enceinte est amovible de façon à permettre un accès facile aux fils des cellules sensibles, et par là un remplacement facile et peu coûteux d'un fil défectueux ou endommagé. Also advantageously, a wall of each enclosure is removable to allow easy access to son of sensitive cells, and thereby easy replacement and inexpensive of a defective or damaged wire.

    De manière avantageuse, un ensemble de tubes selon la présente invention constitue un bloc mécanique unique, ce qui supprime les problèmes d'assemblage qui se posaient avec les tubes individuels selon l'art antérieur.Advantageously, a set of tubes according to the present invention constitutes a single mechanical block, which eliminates assembly problems that arose with individual tubes according to the prior art.

    La figure 3 représente une extrémité d'un tube 18 fixée à une ouverture de la paroi 19. Le fil 26 est maintenu tendu au centre du tube 18 par un capuchon en matière isolante 28 fixé à l'extrémité du tube 18. Le capuchon 28 est traversé le long de l'axe de révolution du tube par une ouverture cylindrique 34 dans laquelle est montée coulissante une cosse de sertissage 36. L'extrémité du fil 26 est sertie dans la cosse 36. Un ressort 38 prend appui sur le capuchon 28 et sollicite la cosse 36 vers l'extérieur du tube de manière à maintenir le fil 26 tendu au centre du tube. Une ouverture 40 traverse le capuchon 28 de manière à faire communiquer le mélange gazeux contenu dans le tube et dans l'enceinte 20 ou 22. Le capuchon 29 fixé à l'extrémité du tube 18 fixée à la paroi 21 présente une structure identique à celle de la figure 3, mais ne comporte aucun ressort 38. La cosse 36 prend appui directement sur le capuchon 29.Figure 3 shows one end of a tube 18 fixed to an opening in the wall 19. The wire 26 is held stretched in the center of the tube 18 by a cap of insulating material 28 fixed to the end of the tube 18. The cap 28 is passed through the along the axis of revolution of the tube through an opening cylindrical 34 in which is slidably mounted a terminal crimping 36. The end of the wire 26 is crimped in the terminal 36. A spring 38 bears on the cap 28 and urges the lug 36 towards the outside of the tube so as to hold the wire 26 stretched in the center of the tube. An opening 40 crosses the cap 28 so as to communicate the gas mixture contained in the tube and in the enclosure 20 or 22. The cap 29 fixed to the end of the tube 18 fixed to the wall 21 has a structure identical to that of FIG. 3, but does not include no spring 38. The terminal 36 bears directly on the cap 29.

    La structure de centrage et de maintien en tension du fil 26, comprenant les capuchons 28 et 29, les cosses 36 et le ressort 38, ne vise à assurer aucune étanchéité du tube 18. Il en découle que la réalisation d'une telle structure est particulièrement simple et permet de maintenir chaque fil 26 tendu précisément au centre des extrémités du tube 18 de chaque cellule sensible. Il est ainsi possible de réaliser des cellules sensibles formées de tubes 18 de faible diamètre et ayant un gain d'amplification élevé. La structure comprenant les capuchons 28 et 29, les cosses 36 et le ressort 38 permettant de réaliser des cellules sensibles ayant toutes la même géométrie, et les cellules sensibles contenant tous un même mélange gazeux à une même pression, les cellules sensibles présentent un gain d'amplification élevé et parfaitement uniforme. The centering and tensioning structure of the wire 26, comprising the caps 28 and 29, the lugs 36 and the spring 38, is not intended to ensure any tightness of the tube 18. It it follows that the realization of such a structure is particularly simple and makes it possible to maintain each wire 26 stretched precisely at the center of the ends of the tube 18 of each sensitive cell. It is thus possible to make cells sensitive formed of tubes 18 of small diameter and having a high amplification gain. The structure comprising the caps 28 and 29, the lugs 36 and the spring 38 making it possible to make sensitive cells all having the same geometry, and sensitive cells all containing the same gas mixture at the same pressure, sensitive cells gain high amplification and perfectly uniform.

    La figure 4 représente de manière très schématique une vue de dessus en coupe des tubes 18 du détecteur 14 de la figure 2. Les tubes 18, jointifs, sont disposés dans un plan de manière que la surface sensible du détecteur soit plane. En pratique, un détecteur selon la présente invention pourra comporter un grand nombre de tubes.Figure 4 very schematically shows a top view in section of the tubes 18 of the detector 14 of FIG. 2. The tubes 18, joined, are arranged in a plane so the sensitive surface of the detector is flat. In practice, a detector according to the present invention may include a large number of tubes.

    Bien entendu, la présente invention est susceptible de diverses variantes et modifications qui apparaítront à l'homme du métier. En particulier, on a décrit l'invention en relation avec un détecteur dont la surface sensible est composée de cellules sensibles disposées selon un plan, mais l'homme du métier adaptera sans difficulté la présente invention à un détecteur dont les cellules sensibles sont disposées autrement.Of course, the present invention is capable of various variations and modifications that will appear to humans of career. In particular, the invention has been described in relation with a detector whose sensitive surface is composed of sensitive cells arranged in a plane, but the human profession will easily adapt the present invention to a detector whose sensitive cells are arranged differently.

    La figure 5 représente à titre d'exemple une vue de dessus en coupe des tubes 18 d'un détecteur selon une variante de réalisation de la présente invention. Les tubes 18 sont disposés parallèlement, de manière non jointive, en quinconce selon deux plans parallèles. Un tel arrangement des tubes permet notamment d'améliorer l'efficacité de détection. Les tubes 18 n'étant pas jointifs, le diamètre des tubes 18 peut être constant sur toute leur longueur.Figure 5 shows by way of example a view of sectional top of the tubes 18 of a detector according to a variant of the present invention. The tubes 18 are arranged in a parallel, non-contiguous, staggered fashion along two parallel planes. Such an arrangement of the tubes allows in particular to improve detection efficiency. Tubes 18 not being contiguous, the diameter of the tubes 18 can be constant over their entire length.

    La figure 6 représente une vue en coupe de tubes 18 d'un détecteur selon une autre variante de réalisation de la présente invention. Les tubes 18 sont jointifs et disposés de manière à former une surface sensiblement courbe, par exemple suivant un arc de cercle.Figure 6 shows a sectional view of tubes 18 of a detector according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention. The tubes 18 are joined and arranged so as to form a substantially curved surface, for example following an arc.

    La présente invention a été décrite en relation avec un détecteur comportant un groupe de tubes dont les première et seconde extrémités sont reliées à des première et seconde enceintes étanches, les enceintes étanches comportant chacune au moins une traversée électrique étanche 30.The present invention has been described in relation to a detector comprising a group of tubes, the first and second ends are connected to first and second sealed enclosures, the sealed enclosures each comprising at minus a watertight electrical crossing 30.

    La figure 7 est une vue en coupe d'une enceinte étanche 50 d'un détecteur selon une variante de réalisation de la présente invention. Le détecteur comporte un groupe de tubes 18 dont des premières extrémités sont reliées à une paroi 48 de l'enceinte 50. Les secondes extrémités des tubes 18, non représentées, sont fixées à la paroi d'une enceinte étanche telle que l'enceinte 20 ou 22 de la figure 2. Dans l'enceinte 50, les extrémités des fils 26 situés dans des tubes 18 adjacents sont reliées deux à deux, d'où il découle que l'enceinte 50 ne comporte aucun connecteur étanche 30. Une telle variante de réalisation permet de diviser par deux le nombre de voies de lecture du circuit de mesure 12, et de diminuer la zone morte générée par l'une des deux enceintes.Figure 7 is a sectional view of an enclosure waterproof 50 of a detector according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The detector has a group of tubes 18, the first ends of which are connected to a wall 48 of the enclosure 50. The second ends of the tubes 18, not shown, are fixed to the wall of a sealed enclosure such that enclosure 20 or 22 in Figure 2. In enclosure 50, the ends of the wires 26 located in adjacent tubes 18 are connected two by two, from which it follows that enclosure 50 does not has no waterproof connector 30. Such a variant of realization allows to halve the number of channels of reading of the measurement circuit 12, and reducing the dead zone generated by one of the two speakers.

    La figure 8 est une vue en coupe schématique d'un tube d'une cellule sensible d'un détecteur selon une variante de la présente invention. Plusieurs fils de cathode 42 sont tendus dans chaque tube 18 parallèlement autour du fil central d'anode 26, nettement plus près de ce fil que de la paroi du tube. Par exemple, pour un tube d'un diamètre de 2 à 3 cm, à 2 à 3 mm du fil d'anode. La figure 8 n'est pas réalisée à l'échelle pour des raisons de clarté. Six fils de cathode ont été représentés en figure 8 mais tout nombre approprié de fils de cathode pourra être utilisé. Les capuchons fixés aux extrémités des tubes comporteront alors autour de leur ouverture axiale une couronne d'ouvertures destinées chacune à recevoir un fil conducteur et les fils pourront être maintenus par des cosses de sertissage telles que décrites précédemment, ce qui permettra de réaliser et d'entretenir simplement une telle structure.Figure 8 is a schematic sectional view of a tube of a sensitive cell of a detector according to a variant of the present invention. Several cathode wires 42 are stretched in each tube 18 parallel around the central anode wire 26, significantly closer to this wire than to the wall of the tube. Through example, for a tube with a diameter of 2 to 3 cm, 2 to 3 mm from the anode wire. Figure 8 is not drawn to scale for reasons of clarity. Six cathode wires were represented in Figure 8 but any suitable number of cathode wires can to be used. Caps attached to the ends of the tubes will then have around their axial opening a crown openings each intended to receive a conductive wire and the wires can be held in place by crimp terminals as described above, which will allow and simply maintain such a structure.

    Dans une application, les fils de cathode seront mis à un potentiel intermédiaire entre celui de l'anode et celui du tube. Il existera ainsi un premier champ électrique dit de dérive entre la paroi et les fils de cathode et un deuxième champ dit d'amplification entre les fils de cathode et le fil d'anode. Les champs de dérive et d'amplification peuvent être optimisés indépendamment, ce qui permet de diminuer le temps de collecte d'électrons générés dans le tube par un rayonnement.In one application, the cathode wires will be an intermediate potential between that of the anode and that of tube. There will thus be a first electric field called drift between the wall and the cathode wires and a second so-called amplification field between the cathode wires and the wire anode. The drift and amplification fields can be independently optimized, which reduces the time required for collection of electrons generated in the tube by radiation.

    De plus, les fils de cathode peuvent être connectés indépendamment ou en sous-groupes de façon à fournir une information angulaire sur l'emplacement de génération des électrons.In addition, cathode wires can be connected independently or in subgroups to provide angular information on the generation location of electrons.

    Claims (8)

    Détecteur de rayonnement ionisant comprenant une pluralité de tubes conducteurs (18) disposés parallèlement contenant un mélange gazeux sous pression, un fil conducteur (26) étant tendu au centre de chaque tube et propre à être polarisé par rapport à celui-ci, le rayonnement ionisant étant dirigé sensiblement orthogonalement à la direction des tubes, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend : des première et seconde enceintes étanches (20, 22), ayant chacune une paroi munie d'ouvertures dans lesquelles sont insérées de manière étanche les première et seconde extrémités de chaque tube (18), les extrémités de chaque tube étant ouvertes. Ionizing radiation detector comprising a plurality of conducting tubes (18) arranged in parallel containing a gaseous mixture under pressure, a conducting wire (26) being stretched in the center of each tube and suitable for being polarized with respect thereto, the ionizing radiation being directed substantially orthogonally to the direction of the tubes, characterized in that it comprises: first and second sealed enclosures (20, 22), each having a wall provided with openings into which the first and second ends of each tube (18) are sealingly inserted, the ends of each tube being open. Détecteur selon la revendication 1, dans lequel un moyen de centrage non étanche (28) du fil conducteur est monté à chaque extrémité de chaque tube (18).The detector of claim 1, wherein a non-watertight centering means (28) of the conductive wire is mounted at each end of each tube (18). Détecteur selon la revendication 2, dans lequel, à au moins une extrémité de chaque tube (18), le fil (26) est maintenu tendu à l'aide d'un moyen de tension (38) disposé à l'extérieur du tube (18).Detector according to claim 2, in which, at at least one end of each tube (18), the wire (26) is kept taut by means of a tensioning means (38) arranged at the outside of the tube (18). Détecteur selon la revendication 3, dans lequel, à ladite au moins une extrémité de chaque tube (18), le moyen de centrage comprend un capuchon (28) en matière isolante fixé au tube et muni d'un alésage axial propre à guider à coulissement le fil (26).Detector according to claim 3, in which, at said at least one end of each tube (18), the means for centering comprises a cap (28) of insulating material fixed to the tube and provided with an axial bore suitable for sliding guide the wire (26). Détecteur selon la revendication 4, dans lequel le capuchon (28) en matière isolante est traversé le long de l'axe de révolution du tube (18) par une première ouverture cylindrique (34) dans laquelle est montée coulissante une cosse (36) emprisonnant l'extrémité du fil (26), le moyen de tension (38) prenant appui sur le capuchon en matière isolante (28) et sollicitant la cosse (36) vers l'extérieur du tube, une deuxième ouverture (40) traversant le capuchon (28) en matière isolante entre l'intérieur du tube (18) et de l'enceinte (20, 22) étanche à laquelle le tube est fixé. The detector of claim 4, wherein the cap (28) of insulating material is crossed along the axis of revolution of the tube (18) by a first opening cylindrical (34) in which a terminal is slidably mounted (36) trapping the end of the wire (26), the tensioning means (38) bearing on the cap of insulating material (28) and urging the terminal (36) out of the tube, a second opening (40) passing through the cap (28) of insulating material between the inside of the tube (18) and the sealed enclosure (20, 22) to which the tube is attached. Détecteur selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel les extrémités des tubes (18) ont un diamètre prédéterminé inférieur au diamètre du corps des tubes, les ouvertures des parois (20, 22) dans lesquelles sont insérées les extrémités de deux tubes adjacents (18) étant distantes d'un espace égal à la différence existant entre le diamètre de l'extrémité des tubes et le diamètre du corps des tubes, la jonction entre les tubes et les parois étant soudée.Detector according to any one of the claims previous, in which the ends of the tubes (18) have a predetermined diameter smaller than the diameter of the body of the tubes, the wall openings (20, 22) into which are inserted the ends of two adjacent tubes (18) being spaced one space equal to the difference between the diameter of the end of the tubes and the diameter of the body of the tubes, the junction between the tubes and the walls being welded. Détecteur selon la revendication 1, comprenant en outre dans chaque tube (18) une pluralité de fils de cathode (42) s'étendant parallèlement au fil central (26).Detector according to claim 1, comprising in addition to each tube (18) a plurality of cathode wires (42) extending parallel to the central wire (26). Procédé de fabrication d'un détecteur de rayonnements ionisants comprenant les étapes consistant à : insérer les première et seconde extrémités d'une pluralité de tubes conducteurs (18) dans des ouvertures pratiquées dans une paroi métallique d'une première (20) et d'une seconde (22) enceintes étanches de manière que les tubes soient disposés parallèlement ; fixer simultanément ou l'une après l'autre par soudure chaque extrémité de chaque tube (18) dans l'ouverture dans laquelle ladite extrémité est insérée, de telle manière que l'intérieur des tubes (18) et l'intérieur des enceintes étanches (20, 22) soient reliés de manière étanche ; et remplir les enceintes étanches (20, 22) et les tubes (18) d'un mélange gazeux prédéterminé à une pression prédéterminée. Method for manufacturing an ionizing radiation detector comprising the steps consisting in: inserting the first and second ends of a plurality of conductive tubes (18) into openings made in a metal wall of a first (20) and a second (22) sealed enclosure so that the tubes are arranged in parallel; fix simultaneously or one after the other by welding each end of each tube (18) in the opening in which said end is inserted, so that the interior of the tubes (18) and the interior of the sealed enclosures (20, 22) are tightly connected; and filling the sealed enclosures (20, 22) and the tubes (18) with a predetermined gas mixture at a predetermined pressure.
    EP02354190A 2001-12-07 2002-12-06 Ionizing radiation detector and its manufacturing process Expired - Lifetime EP1320119B1 (en)

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    US6891165B2 (en) 2005-05-10
    DE60235342D1 (en) 2010-04-01
    JP2003207573A (en) 2003-07-25
    US20030150999A1 (en) 2003-08-14
    JP4110957B2 (en) 2008-07-02
    ATE458262T1 (en) 2010-03-15

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