Studies of gas-filled detectors lifetime are being performed at PNPI at the Ageing Test Station (ATS).

Influence of the following parameters to a detector ageing resistance is investigated during the tests:

  • Work gas mixture composition
  • Material of detector
  • Work conditions (gas flow rate, irradiation intensity, etc.)

    The tests are being carried on with the 2 Ci 90Sr b-source. During the test the following detector parameters are under monitoring:

  • Relative gas gain (get information about anode ageing processes)
  • Dark currents (get information about cathode ageing processes)
    More detailed description of the test setup

    To determine a source of observed ageing processes thorough studies of electrode surfaces are performed:

  • XEM/SEM analysis (Analysis is performed at CERN EST Division)
  • Nuclear Reaction Methode (NRA) (Analysis is performed at PNPI)