Large area spark counters with fine time and position resolution

The key properties of these spark counters devices which include their capability of precision timing and of measuring the position of the charged particle to high accuracy were examined. The devices were developed for use in high energy physics experiments which involve large detectors. A spark counter of size 1.2 m x 0.1 m was constructed and is in operation continuously. Details of its construction and its properties as a particle detector are discussed.