A Multiwire Proportional Chamber for Standardization of Large-Area Sources: Methodology and Challenges for In-House Construction

A gas flow windowless multiwire proportional chamber (MWPC) for the standardization of large area sources of alpha, beta, and low-energy photon-emitting radionuclides was fully manufactured in house. Technical drawings were employed prior to construction for the optimization of the chamber design. Specific parameters were tested after manufacture according to predefined specifications. Test results are reported in this paper, together with criticalities encountered during construction and methodologies developed for their minimization. Detailed instructions for machining and assembling MWPC components are provided.