Patent · US Expired

Selective flow path alpha particle detector and method of use

US6455859B1 · kind B1 · utility

2Cited by
22References
22Claims
0Family size

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJul 11, 2000
Grant dateSep 24, 2002
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 11, 2020

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG01T1/185
  • WIPO fieldEnvironmental technology
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

A method and apparatus for monitoring alpha contamination are provided in which ions generated in the air surrounding the item, by the passage of alpha particles, are moved to a distant detector location. The parts of the item from which ions are withdrawn can be controlled by restricting the air flow over different portions of the apparatus. In this way, detection of internal and external surfaces separately, for instance, can be provided. The apparatus and method are particularly suited for use in undertaking alpha contamination measurements during the commissioning operations.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.