Abstract
Remote detection of alpha emitters is achieved by measuring the secondary radioluminescence light (air fluorescence) that is induced by alpha particles when absorbed in air. A telescope was used to collect the radioluminescence photons to a photomultiplier tube, which is operated in the photon counting mode. Careful matching of photocathode response and filter pass-band allows the sensing of a faint radioluminescence emission in a brightly illuminated environment, which is essential for operative use. A minimum detectable alpha activity of 4 kBq was reached at 1 m distance in 10 s time, when ultraviolet-free lighting is present, and 800 kBq under bright fluorescent lighting. These sensitivities are realized using an ultra-bialkali and cesium-telluride photocathodes in the aforementioned environments respectively. The presented approach is a robust and affordable solution to remotely detect and localize moderate alpha activities in a field environment, providing a means for automated alpha contamination mapping. Moreover, it is shown that a signal increase of more than two orders of magnitude (150-420) can be achieved in deep ultraviolet (close to 260 nm), if nitrogen or argon purge are used to enhance the detection.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 1777-1783 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | IEEE Transactions on Nuclear Science |
Volume | 63 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jun 2016 |
Publication type | A1 Journal article-refereed |
Keywords
- air fluorescence
- alpha particle detectors
- optical devices
- radioluminescence
Publication forum classification
- Publication forum level 1
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Nuclear Energy and Engineering
- Nuclear and High Energy Physics