Fan-less long range alpha detector
AssigneeThe Regents of the University of California
InventorsDuncan W. MacArthur, John A. Bounds
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A fan-less long range alpha detector which operates by using an electrical field between a signal plane and the surface or substance to be monitored for air ions created by collisions with alpha radiation. Without a fan, the detector can operate without the possibility of spreading dust and potential contamination into the atmosphere. A guard plane between the signal plane and the electrically conductive enclosure and maintained at the same voltage as the signal plane, reduces leakage currents. The detector can easily monitor soil, or other solid or liquid surfaces.
Claims8
A fan-less long range alpha particle detector for detecting air ions created by collisions with alpha particles originating from a solid or liquid surface, comprising:
- an electrically conductive enclosure having five sides, including a top, but open at its bottom, for contacting a solid or liquid surface;
- guard plane means insulatively mounted to said top side of said electrically conductive enclosure for preventing leakage currents;
- signal plane means insulatively mounted to said guard plane for detecting air ions created by collision with said alpha particles;
- indicator means attached to said signal plane means for indicating a current produced by collection of said air ions;
- a voltage source connected to said indicator means and to said guard plane, and to said electrically conductive enclosure;
- so as to establish an electric field between said signal plane means and said solid or liquid surface, such that said field draws said air ions to said signal plane to be detected.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.