New trends in radiation imaging: CsI-based gaseous detectors

A new class of radiation imaging detectors is described. They combine thin solid converters and gaseous electron multipliers. CsI or CsI-coated films provide an efficient means for UV, X-ray and thermal neutron conversion. The latter is followed by the emission of single photoelectrons or multiple secondary electrons in the eV range. The surface conversion and the electron multiplication close to the radiation impact location guarantee an accurate localization, fast response and low occupancy, regardless of the angle of incidence. A low gas pressure permits the operation at very intense radiation flux, with a low sensitivity to ionizing background. The article briefly reviews the new technique and its potential applications.