This book brings together the most important topics in experimental particle physics in the late twentieth century to give a brief but balanced overview of the subject. The author begins by reviewing particle physics and discussing electromagnetic and nuclear interactions. He then goes on to discuss three nearly universal aspects of particle physics experiments: beams, targets, and fast electronics. The second part of the book treats in detail the properties of various types of particle detector, such as scintillation counters, Cerenkov counters, proportional chambers, drift chambers, sampling calorimeters, and specialized detectors. Wherever possible the author attempts to enumerate the advantages and disadvantages of performance. Finally, he discusses aspects of specific experiments, such as properties of triggers, types of measurement, spectrometers, and the integration of detectors into coherent systems. First published in 1986, this title has been reissued as an Open Access publication on Cambridge Core.

A concise, balanced overview of the most important topics in experimental particle physics of the past forty years is presented in this comprehensive study. Beginning with a review of particle physics and electromagnetic and nuclear interactions, the book continues with a discussion of three nearly universal aspects of particle physics experiments: beams, targets and fast electrons. The second part of the text details the properties of various types of particle detectors, such as scintillation and Cerenkov counters, proportional and drift chambers, sampling calorimeters, and special detectors. The last chapter demonstrates how the various aspects of the previous chapters can be integrated in an experimental system. There are numerous references to the research literature, in addition to examples and workable problems.

This book brings together the most important topics in experimental particle physics in the late twentieth century to give a brief but balanced overview of the subject. The author begins by reviewing particle physics and discussing electromagnetic and nuclear interactions. He then goes on to discuss three nearly universal aspects of particle physics experiments: beams, targets, and fast electronics. The second part of the book treats in detail the properties of various types of particle detector, such as scintillation counters, Cerenkov counters, proportional chambers, drift chambers, sampling calorimeters, and specialized detectors. Wherever possible the author attempts to enumerate the advantages and disadvantages of performance. Finally, he discusses aspects of specific experiments, such as properties of triggers, types of measurement, spectrometers, and the integration of detectors into coherent systems. First published in 1986, this title has been reissued as an Open Access publication on Cambridge Core.