LRAD-Based Alpha-Particle Contamination Monitoring of Personnel and Equipment

Abstract

Traditional alpha-particle contamination monitors are limited in usefulness because of the short range of alpha particles in air. This range limitation makes it impossible to adequately monitor for alpha-particle contamination on uneven surfaces and inside equipment. Personnel must be scanned manually, a procedure that is comparatively uncertain. The long-range alpha detector eliminates many of the difficulties associated with equipment and personnel monitoring by detecting the ions produced by the alpha particles interaction with the air, rather than detecting the alpha particle itself. The personnel and equipment monitors are described in detail, and other potential applications are suggested.