Background canceling surface alpha detector

Patent · Sun Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 1995

OSTI ID:870460

MacArthur, Duncan W ^[1]; Allander, Krag S ^[2]; Bounds, John A ^[1]

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1. Los Alamos, NM
2. Ojo Caliente, NM

A background canceling long range alpha detector which is capable of providing output proportional to both the alpha radiation emitted from a surface and to radioactive gas emanating from the surface. The detector operates by using an electrical field between first and second signal planes, an enclosure and the surface or substance to be monitored for alpha radiation. The first and second signal planes are maintained at the same voltage with respect to the electrically conductive enclosure, reducing leakage currents. In the presence of alpha radiation and radioactive gas decay, the signal from the first signal plane is proportional to both the surface alpha radiation and to the airborne radioactive gas, while the signal from the second signal plane is proportional only to the airborne radioactive gas. The difference between these two signals is proportional to the surface alpha radiation alone.

• Research Organization: Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Los Alamos, NM
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-36
• Assignee: Regents of University of California (Oakland, CA)
• Patent Number(s): US 5525804
• Application Number: 08/382333
• OSTI ID: 870460
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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