Cambridge University Press 0521 64854 8 (pbk $19.95/$34.95), 0 521 64032 6 (hbk £52.50/$80).
The second edition of this popular text has been updated with the inclusion of recent detector developments and a presentation of modern experimental facilities.
The excellent introduction provides a thorough discussion of the physics principles of detectors, including, for example, such modern treatments as the Photoabsorption Model for the energy loss. This recommendable approach provides the reader with a basis for understanding and evaluating detector behaviour.
The subsequent chapters focus in turn on different types of measurement (position, time, particle identification, momentum, energy). Within each broad topic the full range of the relevant detectors is analysed. The text is complete, yet compact and authoritative. A wealth of equations guides the reader to an analytical understanding of detectors.
One important subject energy measurement would merit a more extensive discussion. A more systematic analysis of the various contributions to the energy resolution would demonstrate that these detectors too can be understood from first principles.
One of the big successes of particle physics detectors is their increasing range of applications in other areas. The description of these applications, although short and less complete than this success merits, should be applauded.
The book is illustrated throughout with instructive diagrams of fine quality. Only the admittedly difficult illustration of large detector facilities will probably leave the novice unsatisfied. A complete list of references covering approximately 30 years of research and development provides ready access to the source literature.
This volume will serve the apprentice experimentalist as an attractive introduction and the seasoned physicist as a fine reference. The publishers should be congratulated for issuing this text in paperback.
