Long-range alpha detector (LRAD) for contamination monitoring

In the long-range alpha detector (LRAD), alpha particles interact with the ambient air, producing ionization in the air at the rate of about 30000 ion pairs per MeV of alpha energy. These charges can be transported over significant distances in a moving current of air generated by a small fan. An io...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:IEEE Transactions on Nuclear Science (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers); (United States) 1992-08, Vol.39 (4), p.952-957
Main Authors: MacArthur, D.W., Allander, K.S., Bounds, J.A., Catlett, M.M., McAtee, J.L.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
540130 > Environment, Atmospheric-- Radioactive Materials Monitoring & Transport-- (1990-)
560101 > Biomedical Sciences, Applied Studies-- Radiation Effects-- Dosimetry & Monitoring-- (1992-)
AIR POLLUTION MONITORING
ALPHA DETECTION
ALPHA PARTICLES
CHARGED PARTICLE DETECTION
CHARGED PARTICLES
Condition monitoring
Current measurement
DESIGN
DETECTION
Detectors
ENVIRONMENT
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSPORT
Exact sciences and technology
INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Instruments, apparatus, components and techniques common to several branches of physics and astronomy
Ionization
Laboratories
MASS TRANSFER
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
MONITORING
MONITORS
Other topics in instruments, apparatus, components and techniques common to several branches of physics and astronomy
Physics
Pollution measurement
Probes
RADIATION DETECTION 440102 > Radiation Instrumentation-- Radiation Dosemeters
Radiation monitoring
RADIATION MONITORS
RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY
RADIONUCLIDE MIGRATION
SENSITIVITY
Surface contamination
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Description
Summary:In the long-range alpha detector (LRAD), alpha particles interact with the ambient air, producing ionization in the air at the rate of about 30000 ion pairs per MeV of alpha energy. These charges can be transported over significant distances in a moving current of air generated by a small fan. An ion chamber located in front of the fan measures the current carried by the moving ions. The LRAD-based monitor is more sensitive and more thorough than conventional monitors. Current LRAD sensitivity limits and results, practical monitor designs, and proposed uses for LRAD monitors are presented.< >
ISSN:0018-9499
1558-1578
DOI:10.1109/23.159739