Long range alpha particle detector

US5184019A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• United States Department of Energy · US

Inventors

• Duncan W. MacArthur · Los Alamos, US
• Michael A. Wolf · Los Alamos, US
• James L. McAtee · Los Alamos, US
• Wesley P. Unruh · Los Alamos, US
• Alfred L. Cucchiara · Los Alamos, US
• Roger L. Huchton · Los Alamos, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 3, 1991
• Grant date: Feb 2, 1993
• Expiry date: Jun 3, 2011

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H01J47/026
• WIPO field: Environmental technology
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

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.