Imaging detectors based on the gas electron multiplier scintillation light

We have developed a novel type of two-dimensional, large area, low granularity gaseous position sensitive detector using a gas electron multiplier foil (GEM) and a standard CCD camera with glass optics. First results obtained with a 10/spl times/10 cm/sup 2/ GEM foil demonstrate that the position resolution with 7 keV X-rays using a Xe-CO/sub 2/ mixture is better than 100 /spl mu/m (RMS). The complete system is described and experimental results on position resolution, efficiency and linearity are shown. Data on light efficiency for mixtures of interest for detection of other types of radiation, such as neutrons, are also presented. Possible applications of this type of detector are considered.