Prototype Alpha Particle Spark Detector

johni1084
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Published on Feb 24, 2012

This is an alpha particle detector. It uses a 8000 volt negatively-charged solid steel electrode and thin 3 mil copper wires connected to ground that are strung through the air approximately 0.1" above the electrode.

When an alpha particle passes in between the wire and the electrode it ionizes the air between. The high voltage potential between the wires and the electrode causes an avalanche effect that we see as an electrical discharge between the wires and the electrode.

This detector is only sensitive to alpha (α) particles and will Not detect beta(β), x-ray or gamma(γ) radiation.

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