Features of the Processes of Initiation and Development of Sparks in Microstructural Gas Detectors (Review)

Abstract

The features of the processes of initiation and development of spark discharges in microstructural gas detectors of ionizing radiation in laboratory conditions and on charged-particle beams in accelerators are considered. Such aspects as the Raether charge limit, secondary electron emission, avalanche cross-overlap, positive ion feedback, explosive electron emission, cascading of detectors, and the charge density have been analyzed in detail. The better understanding of these effects will make it possible to make a further step in the development of new-type position-sensitive gas detectors.