Alternating current long range alpha particle detector
Abstract
An alpha particle detector, utilizing alternating currents, whcih 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:
-
- Los Alamos, NM
- Issue Date:
- Research Org.:
- Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)
- OSTI Identifier:
- 868664
- Patent Number(s):
- 5187370
- Assignee:
- University of California (Alameda, CA)
- Patent Classifications (CPCs):
-
G - PHYSICS G01 - MEASURING G01T - MEASUREMENT OF NUCLEAR OR X-RADIATION
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-36
- Resource Type:
- Patent
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
- Subject:
- alternating; current; range; alpha; particle; detector; utilizing; currents; whcih; capable; detecting; particles; distinct; sources; allows; simpler; circuits; susceptible; dc; error; components; benefit; gas; desired; voltage; source; creates; electric; field; conductive; grids; enclosure; air; containing; created; collision; drawn; detected; embodiments; flow; interrupted; creating; embodiment; modulated; applied; grid; modulating; detection; source creates; conductive enclosure; voltage source; electric field; alternating current; air flow; alpha particle; alpha particles; particle detector; air containing; range alpha; modulated voltage; detecting alpha; containing air; error components; conductive grid; utilizing alternating; alternating currents; /250/
Citation Formats
MacArthur, Duncan W, and McAtee, James L. Alternating current long range alpha particle detector. United States: N. p., 1993.
Web.
MacArthur, Duncan W, & McAtee, James L. Alternating current long range alpha particle detector. United States.
MacArthur, Duncan W, and McAtee, James L. Fri .
"Alternating current long range alpha particle detector". United States. https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/868664.
@article{osti_868664,
title = {Alternating current long range alpha particle detector},
author = {MacArthur, Duncan W and McAtee, James L},
abstractNote = {An alpha particle detector, utilizing alternating currents, whcih 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 = {Fri Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1993},
month = {Fri Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1993}
}