Stability of Geiger-Müller counter characteristics under operating conditions

Abstract

This paper presents the results of an experimental-statistical examination of the change in characteristics of the Geiger-Müller (GM) counter under operating conditions. The impact of the number of registered pulses on the characteristics of the GM counter was investigated using an experimental method with low measurement uncertainty. The analyzed characteristics of the GM counter included the plateau width, plateau slope, characteristic steepness, and dead time. Additionally, the stability of the insulating properties of the GM counter tube's insulating gas was determined. The experiments were conducted on a laboratory model of the GM counting tube. The laboratory model was constructed in accordance with similarity laws for electrical discharges in gases and in relation to a commercial GM counting tube. During the experiments, diverse types of insulating gas were varied. A three-component mixture proved to be the optimal solution since it consists predominantly of argon, halogen quenching gas chlorine, and a small amount of electronegative gas sulfur hexafluoride.