Long-range alpha detector sample monitoring

Abstract

Long-range alpha detector (LRAD) systems are designed to monitor alpha sources and contamination by measuring the number of ions created in air by ionizing radiation. Traditional alpha detectors are designed to detect alpha particles directly and must be passed slowly within about 3 cm of an alpha source to operate effectively. LRAD detectors collect the ions created from alpha interactions with air. Therefore, they are better able to monitor equipment and complex surfaces and can be operated at a much greater distance from an alpha source than traditional alpha detectors. Furthermore, because LRAD detectors remain stationary during monitoring, they are less subject to operator error than traditional alpha detectors. This paper will discuss the basic operation as well as recent advances that have been made to LRAD Sample Monitors.