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Radiation detector using a digital electrometer scaler

Patent ·
OSTI ID:4168573
A digital system is described for automatically operating an electrometer. A binant electrometer is employed with a quartz fiber mounted at one end but free to vibrate at the other in an AC field. The fiber oscillates if a charge is placed upon it. An optical slit replaces the ordinary eyepiece reticule scale. With the quartz fiber adjusted so its image is in focus at the optical slit, photoelectric signals are obtained at null charge on the fiber. The quartz fiber is repeatedly charged and allowed to discharge by collecting ions from a source under measurement. Each photoelectric signal causes a digital time reading to be taken. The time readings are used to evaluate the current due to the collected charge. The photoelectric signals, by feedback, also operate the electrometer for continuous or intermittent-continuous operation. Basically the system is a current digitizer. Analog recording with this single slit real image system is also described. Application is explicitly made to reactor monitoring and control; other types of production control are indicated. The method is applied to the measurement of force in other types of fields. (auth)
Research Organization:
Originating Research Org. not identified
NSA Number:
NSA-33-000721
Assignee:
to Pioneer Educational Society
Patent Number(s):
US 3875410
OSTI ID:
4168573
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English