Alphaspec of Ra226

[Peter-1]

I made a first attempt to record the alpha spectrum of Ra226. I did some experiments with my old semiconductor detectors for radiation. These detectors were offered by Siemens for a short time and were available in small quantities. The measurements should actually be made in a vacuum, but that was too time-consuming for the first attempt. Old clock hands covered with radium fluorescent paint served as the source. For comparison, i took the spectrum of a graphic of a measurement for a university publication. The measurement was made with the SFH 521 with 1cm².

Alpha-01.jpg (93.18 KiB) Viewed 9076 times

Alpha-02.jpg (82.99 KiB) Viewed 9076 times

Alpha-03.jpg (33.8 KiB) Viewed 9076 times

Peter

[Mike S]

This is really nice work!

Mike S.

[Svilen]

Great Job indeed. What do you use to drive these detectors?

[Peter-1]

hello Svilen,

The detector is operated with a voltage of 20 volts and has a very sensitive amplifier. This amplifier is DIY and after the first stage has a main amplifier with 1000x to 10,000x gain. I want to increase the voltage to 120 volts in the near future. Maybe the two pictures and texts help a little.

Greetings Peter

[Sesselmann]

Peter,

Nice work, did you have the source directly in contact with the detector, if not what was the distance?

Steven

[Svilen]

Thank you Peter, now it is clear. Bad that they are not available anymore, I would enjoy getting one :)

Regards,

[Peter-1]

hello Steven,

the distance was about 5mm between the surface of the detector and the source, i.e. the clock hand. I am very careful not to touch or destroy the surface of the detector.
Peter

[Go-Figure]

This is really something Peter,
Alpha spectroscopy is something that's been in the back of my mind for a while now, thank you for this post.

Massimo