Part I: A WF₆ Bubble Chamber. Part II: Physics of Bubble Chambers and Applications to Advanced Designs

Part I: The role of bubble chambers in photoproduction studies is considered in the light of experimental problems, and arguments for use of heavy liquid chambers are presented. Successful operation of a small WF6 chamber in conjunction with the C.I.T. electron synchrotron is described and experimental results are given. Design, construction and operation of a 12 inch hydrostatically supported bubble chamber for use with hydrocarbons, Freons, or WF6 is described. The chamber is operated with a unique "resonant" expansion system employing large valves of a special design, resulting in a very fast operating cycle with small energy input. Part II: The mechanism of formation and growth of bubbles in a bubble chamber is investigated, and the results of calculations concerning growth and collapse in propane are given. Mechanisms which have been proposed dealing with the nucleation of bubbles by charged particles are examined with the intention of determining their probable validity, and the influence of some additional processes is discussed. A technique is suggested which may allow construction of large bubble chambers, particularly of the heavy liquid variety, with very fast expansions and recompressions, or very rapid cycling rates