Alpha-Particle-Based Icing Detector for Aircraft

This paper introduces a new type of icing detector for aircraft applications. Unlike the well-known icing detectors that are based on optics, the new detector uses α particles. An α-particle source is attached to the wing of the aircraft, and a detector that mainly depends on a MOSFET transistor is placed a few centimeters away from the source. As the α particles strike the detector, they deposit their positive charges on the gate of the MOSFET (n-channel), and the transistor turns ON. If, however, a layer of ice builds up on the wing and prevents the α particles from reaching the detector, the MOSFET shuts OFF. The new detector is more reliable than optics-based detectors because it is an integral part of the wing and hence cannot miss the formation of ice.