How to calculate thickness of the wall in a wire chamber

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on calculating the thickness of the wall in a wire chamber based on multiple Coulomb scattering principles. Given parameters include a momentum of 500 MeV/c, a wire resolution of 120 microns, and a radiation length of wall material (X_0) of 2E-3 m. The relevant equation for calculating the scattering angle is θ = (13.6 / (βp)) z √(x / X_0). The goal is to determine the wall thickness (x) such that 68% of particles scatter less than the wire resolution.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of multiple Coulomb scattering
  • Familiarity with Gaussian distribution and its properties
  • Knowledge of particle physics, specifically regarding charged particles
  • Proficiency in using the scattering angle formula θ = (13.6 / (βp)) z √(x / X_0)
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the scattering angle θ for various wall thicknesses using the provided formula
  • Research Gaussian distribution and its application in particle scattering
  • Explore the concept of radiation length and its significance in particle physics
  • Investigate the relationship between scattering angles and particle resolution in wire chambers
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, students in particle physics, and engineers working with wire chambers who need to understand the impact of wall thickness on particle scattering behavior.

Kyrios
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Homework Statement


This is a question on multiple coulomb scattering in a wire chamber

momentum p = 500MeV/c
wire resolution = 120 microns
distance from wall to wire = 0.01m
radiation length of wall material X_0 = 2E-3 m
mass of charged particle m_{\pi} = 139.6 MeV/c^2
charge z = 1

How thick is the wall if 68% of the particles are scattered less than the wire resolution?

Homework Equations



\theta = \frac{13.6}{\beta p} z \sqrt{\frac{x}{x_0}}

The Attempt at a Solution



What I am trying to find is x, but am uncertain of where exactly the 120 microns and 68% comes in.
I looked up a distribution table and for z=0.68, the area below z = 0.7517. (I think this is what you have to do for 68% scatter less than the resolution?)
The gaussian distribution forms a triangle to work out theta, with the side opposite to the angle. I assume the mean would be zero, so would this side just be 0.7517x120microns?
 
Last edited:
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I don't understand your attempt.

The formula gives the average deflection angle.

I would first see which angle gives the "maximal" scattering (a deviation by one times the wire resolution within the wire chamber). Then you can find x/x0 to have 68% of the particles below this angle.
 

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