Title :
Long-range alpha detector (LRAD) for contamination monitoring
Author :
MacArthur, D.W. ; Allander, K.S. ; Bounds, J.A. ; Catlett, M.M. ; McAtee, J.L.
Author_Institution :
Los Alamos Nat. Lab., NM, USA
fDate :
8/1/1992 12:00:00 AM
Abstract :
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
Keywords :
alpha-particle detection and measurement; radiation monitoring; LRAD-based monitor; alpha particles; ambient air; contamination monitoring; ion chamber; ionization; long-range alpha detector; practical monitor designs; Alpha particles; Condition monitoring; Current measurement; Detectors; Ionization; Laboratories; Pollution measurement; Probes; Radiation monitoring; Surface contamination;
Journal_Title :
Nuclear Science, IEEE Transactions on
