Long-range alpha detectors
- ed.
Historically, alpha-particle and alpha-contamination detectors have been limited by the very short range of alpha particles in air and by relatively poor sensitivity, even if the particles are intercepted. Alpha detectors have had to be operated in a vacuum or in close proximity to the source is reasonable efficiency is desired. In particular, monitoring for alpha contamination on objects, persons, or surfaces leaving potentially contaminated areas depends greatly on the shape of the item being monitored, the persistence of the person doing the monitoring, and the characteristics of the monitoring instrument. In this report, I document initial tests of a new long-range alpha detector. The charges generated by the interaction of alpha particles with air can be transported over significant distances (several meters) in a moving current of air generated by a small fan. An ion chamber located in front of the fan measures the current carried by the moving ions, and hence detects the alpha decays. 2 refs., 28 figs., 5 tabs.
- Research Organization:
- Los Alamos National Lab., NM (USA)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE; USDOE, Washington, DC (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-36
- OSTI ID:
- 5738365
- Report Number(s):
- LA-12073-MS; ON: DE91014023
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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