Application of Droplet Detectors to Alpha Radiation Detection

Abstract

Superheated droplet detectors (SDDs) are traditionally employed in the detection of neutrons. In this work the focus is on the detection of alpha particles using C2ClF5 as the target liquid. The alpha-droplet interaction is examined via computational studies, and a geometric model developed to describe the expected detector response. Experiments with alpha-emitting uranium- and samarium-doped SDDs at temperatures of 5-12°C confirm that the event rate is related to the size of the droplets, and are in model agreement for temperatures below 8°C; above this temperature, the acoustic sensitivity is reduced by signal attenuation as a result of the increasing bubble population, for which the addition of an attenuation coefficient restores the agreement with experiment. The results suggest the viability of a SDD-based alpha spectrometer using mono-sized droplets.

Fundamental characteristics and application of radiation

“…The helium nuclei forming 10-12% of cosmic rays are usually much higher energy than those produced by nuclear decay processes, and thus may have highly penetration and able to traverse the human body and also many meters of dense solid shielding, depending on their energy. To a lesser extent, this is also applicable to the very highenergy helium nuclei produced by particle accelerators [7].…”

“…Radium-226 has mostly been replaced by Safer, more effective radiation sources, such as cobalt-60. Xofigo, the brand name of Radium-223, is still used to treat bone cancer [7].  Static Eliminator: Alpha radiation from polonium-210 has great use to eliminate static electricity in industrial applications.…”

“…These electrons can create an electrical current. Smoke particles are successful in disrupting this current [7,14].  Spacecraft Power and Pacemaker Battery: Radioisotope thermoelectric generators have great use at power a wide array of satellites and spacecraft, including Pioneer 10 and 11 and Voyager 1 and 2.…”