Long range alpha particle detector
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
InventorsDuncan W. MacArthur, Michael A. Wolf, James L. McAtee, Wesley P. Unruh, Alfred L. Cucchiara, Roger L. Huchton
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Abstract
An alpha particle detector capable of detecting alpha radiation from distant sources. In one embodiment, a high voltage is generated in a first electrically conductive mesh while a fan draws air containing air molecules ionized by alpha particles through an air passage and across a second electrically conductive mesh. The current in the second electrically conductive mesh can be detected and used for measurement or alarm. The detector can be used for area, personnel and equipment monitoring.
Claims18
An alpha particle detector that operates by detecting air ions created by collisions with alpha particles comprising:
- an electrically conductive enclosure defining first and second openings for admitting and exhausting air;
- two or more electrical conductors insulatively mounted inside said enclosure;
- means for generating a voltage in one of said electrical conductors, creating an electric field between said two or more electrical conductors;
- fan means mounted outside said enclosure adjacent to said second opening for drawing air containing said air ions through said first opening in said enclosure and across said electric field between said two or more electrical conductors;
- and
- detecting means connected to another one of said two or more electrical conductors for indicating a current through said another one of said two or more electrical conductors produced by said air ions.
A method of detecting a distant source of alpha particles comprising the steps of:
- generating a high voltage in a first electrical conductor;
- drawing air containing air ions through an air passage and across a second electrical conductor positioned between said first electrical conductor and said air passage;
- and
- detecting a current in said second electrical conductor produced by said air ions contacting said second electrical conductor.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.