Alternating current long range alpha particle detector
Abstract
An alpha particle detector, utilizing alternating currents, which is capable of detecting alpha particles from distinct sources. The use of alternating currents allows use of simpler ac circuits which, in turn, are not susceptible to dc error components. It also allows the benefit of gas gain, if desired. In the invention, a voltage source creates an electric field between two conductive grids, and between the grids and a conductive enclosure. Air containing air ions created by collision with alpha particles is drawn into the enclosure and detected. In some embodiments, the air flow into the enclosure is interrupted, creating an alternating flow of ions. In another embodiment, a modulated voltage is applied to the grid, also modulating the detection of ions.
- Inventors:
- Issue Date:
- OSTI Identifier:
- 6289389
- Patent Number(s):
- 5187370
- Application Number:
- PPN: US 7-799464
- Assignee:
- Univ. of California, Alameda, CA (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-36
- Resource Type:
- Patent
- Resource Relation:
- Patent File Date: 27 Nov 1991
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
- Subject:
- 46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY; ALPHA DETECTION; RADIATION DETECTORS; DESIGN; AC SYSTEMS; AIR FLOW; ELECTRIC CONDUCTORS; ELECTRIC CURRENTS; ELECTRIC FIELDS; ERRORS; IONIZATION; CHARGED PARTICLE DETECTION; CURRENTS; DETECTION; ENERGY SYSTEMS; FLUID FLOW; GAS FLOW; MEASURING INSTRUMENTS; POWER SYSTEMS; RADIATION DETECTION; 440101* - Radiation Instrumentation- General Detectors or Monitors & Radiometric Instruments
Citation Formats
MacArthur, D W, and McAtee, J L. Alternating current long range alpha particle detector. United States: N. p., 1993.
Web.
MacArthur, D W, & McAtee, J L. Alternating current long range alpha particle detector. United States.
MacArthur, D W, and McAtee, J L. Tue .
"Alternating current long range alpha particle detector". United States.
@article{osti_6289389,
title = {Alternating current long range alpha particle detector},
author = {MacArthur, D W and McAtee, J L},
abstractNote = {An alpha particle detector, utilizing alternating currents, which is capable of detecting alpha particles from distinct sources. The use of alternating currents allows use of simpler ac circuits which, in turn, are not susceptible to dc error components. It also allows the benefit of gas gain, if desired. In the invention, a voltage source creates an electric field between two conductive grids, and between the grids and a conductive enclosure. Air containing air ions created by collision with alpha particles is drawn into the enclosure and detected. In some embodiments, the air flow into the enclosure is interrupted, creating an alternating flow of ions. In another embodiment, a modulated voltage is applied to the grid, also modulating the detection of ions.},
doi = {},
journal = {},
number = ,
volume = ,
place = {United States},
year = {Tue Feb 16 00:00:00 EST 1993},
month = {Tue Feb 16 00:00:00 EST 1993}
}