Design, implementation and methods for the manufacture of components of a two-dimensional X-ray detector

The design and implementation of a two-dimensional multiwire proportional gas chamber is described. This device will be used for time-resolved X-ray diffraction/scattering experiments on non-crystalline material. This detector approach is chosen because it is the only one allowing time framing in a sub-millisecond time scale, whilst at the same time has single photon counting capabilities (needed to handle weakly diffracting specimens), adequate spatial resolution (ca. 0.2 mm) and a reasonably large sensitive area (200×200 mm2). As novel aspects, we highlight the development of a new type of delay line and the construction of an automated system for the production of wire frames. This allows the quick and simple production of new detectors and/or the repairing and maintenance of existing ones.