Gamma Spectrometry Forum

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. Peter

This is really nice work!

Mike S.

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

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

Peter,

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

Steven

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

Regards,

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

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