The pin detector - A simple, robust, cheap and effective nuclear radiation detector

Abstract

The development of a series of radiation detectors based on the point anode is reported. Using readily available preformed pins from a variety of electrical connectors as the anodes, a family of devices has been created with useful properties as X-ray detectors, radiation monitors and internal beta counters. A wide variety of gas fillings can be used, argon/CH4 premix being the most convenient. The stuctures are robust and call for no precision alignments so keeping costs down. Peformance of the devices in respect of sensitivity and pulse height resolution is comparable to that of conventional wire counters. © 1985.