Low-cost radon detector with low-voltage air-ionization chamber

Abstract

This paper describes the design of a low-cost radon detector that can easily be fabricated in large quantities for the purposes of earthquake prediction. The described detector can also be used for monitoring radon levels in houses because high radon levels pose a great health risk. A very simple air-ionization chamber for alpha particles was used, considering the experimental results. Chamber current-sensing circuitry is also suggested, and an Internet of Things (IoT) sensor grid is described. The main advantages of this detector are the low cost, low power consumption, and complete elimination of high-voltage power sources. The minimum detectable activity achieved with the proposed detector for one measurement was around 50 Bq · m−3, with time of measurement comparable to that featured on commercial devices, while the price of the described detector is one order of magnitude lower.