Georges Charpak's electronic readout avoided film scanning and full spark chamber discharge.[ref]
Figure 1.
From gas ionization to an electronic wire address
. Original functional schematic; dimensions, pulse shapes and routing are illustrative. Wire cross-sections face the viewer. Details.
Opposite polarities identify the avalanche wire. Positive ion motion dominates integrated signal; detection precedes complete collection. Calibrated Electron travel times enable drift chambers.[ref]
Proportional counter 2026-10-18
A gas-filled particle detector using electron avalanche multiplication. Within its proportional operating range, the collected electric charge tracks the initial ionization, allowing more than a yes-or-no count.