An Alpha Survey Radiac for Field Use (open access)

An Alpha Survey Radiac for Field Use

Abstract: An alpha survey radiac employing a photomultiplier tube and scintillation detector has been developed. The instrument utilizes transistor circuitry and operates from two standard flashlight batteries. Four linear ranges are provided with full scale indication on the highest range corresponding to 10,000 g /m2 Pu2 39. The instrument was designed with .a separable probe and a telescoping extension for easier ground monitoring. A thorium metal source is attached to the instrument housing for checking instrument calibration in the field. The device conforms satisfactorily to the military requirements for altitude, humidity, vibration, shock, and storage. The operational battery life is in excess of 40 hours. Instrument error at low temperatures slightly exceeds the 20% accuracy requirement; however, adequate measurements are readily made by using the thorium check source to provide a check point. Instrument response to low energy X-rays is excessive. However, tests indicate that a simple lead filter will eliminate this difficulty.
Date: May 14, 1959
Creator: Sinclair, K. & Kiyoi, G.
System: The UNT Digital Library