Multi-layer electroluminescence camera: a concept and Monte Carlo study

A concept for a multi-layer electroluminescence camera (MELC) for low energy gamma-ray imaging is presented. The MELC contains a multiple layer electrode structure immersed in a pressurized noble gas. The electrodes are made of thin foils covered by arrays of wave-shifting fibers optically coupled to outside photodetectors. The MELC is designed to achieve sub-mm 3D position resolution with an energy resolution about 1-2% at 140 keV. The number of readout channels is about 300 per layer per square meter of the imaging field. Total detection efficiency depends on the number of layers and gas pressure and can be comparable to that of solid state detectors. The count rate can be up to 10 MHz per layer. Computer simulations, undertaken to study the feasibility, and potential applications of the MELC are described