Ruggedized alpha radiation detector

An effort was made to develop an alpha-radiation scintillation detector with an entrance window more rugged than that of conventional types. A novel technique for micromachining thin silicon windows has been implemented. Optically clear epoxy is used to couple the scintillator material to a glass light pipe and to give support to thin portions of the silicon window. Tests indicate that overall efficiency is comparable to that obtained with conventional Mylar window detectors. Compared to conventional scintillation detectors, the more rugged alpha-radiation detector is better suited to harsh environments encountered in outdoor surveys, as the silicon window assembly is a solid construction highly resistant to scratches, punctures, water and thermal shock