Investigation of the transition radiation produced by fast electrons crossing multifoil and fiber radiators

We have performed a direct measurement of the yields and energy spectra of transition radiation X-rays produced by fast electrons crossing different kinds of radiators. For this purpose, we have used a telescope based on silicon strip detectors operated in conjunction with a magnetic field. The results of our measurement confirm the predictions obtained from the theoretical models for typical radiators, providing geometrical constraints on their structure. These results can be used for the design of new generation transition radiation detectors to be employed for future accelerator and space experiments. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.