Patent attributes
An ionized alpha particle detector to directly measure alpha activity in ambient air that counts alpha pulses instead of measuring radon concentration is provided by an open-air ionization chamber, a means for collecting ions, a voltage source, a charging means and a means for recording alpha pulses. The ionized alpha particle detector allows the user to directly measure the alpha particle activity in ambient air and consequently, better assess the radiological public health risk from alpha particles emitted by inhaled air. The ionized alpha particle detector advantageously overcomes the difficulties in measuring alpha particles caused by oxygen ions that quickly attract electrons and form negative ions that compensate positive charged particles and prevent the formation of alpha particle pulses. The open-air ionization chamber of the ionized alpha particle detector prevents and overcomes the problems, shortcomings, drawbacks and limitations caused by oxygen ions by generating alpha pulses that can be readily detected. The present invention also provides an ionized alpha particle detector system and a method for detecting ionized alpha particles to directly measure alpha activity in ambient air.
