Extending the Lorentz factor range and sensitivity of transition radiation with compound radiators

Transition radiation detectors (TRDs) have been used to identify high-energy particles (in particular, separate electrons from heavier particles) in accelerator experiments. In space, they cosmic-ray and measure the energies of nuclei. To date, radiators consisted regular configurations foils with fixed values foil thickness spacing (or foam or fiber comparable average dimensions) that operated over a relatively restricted range Lorentz factors. order extend applicability future TRDs (for example, 0.5 - 3 TeV pions, kaons, protons far forward region experiment energy spectrum nuclei up 20 TeV/nucleon higher), there is need increase signal strength factors can be measured single detector. A possible approach utilize compound consisting varying radiator parameters. We discuss case derive yield produced TRD an arbitrary configuration thicknesses spacings.