Analog Geiger Counter with Digital Output

Figure 1 

The project is an analog Geiger counter that is capable of detecting and measuring the three forms of radiation including alpha, beta, and gamma radiation.

The basic Geiger counter can be enhanced by adding a digital meter adapter, RS232 adapter with free Windows radiation monitoring, or a random number generator. An audible click is produced by the Geiger counter while an LED blinks each time a radioactive particle is detected. Due to normal background radiation, the counter clicks typically10-20 times a minute. The device is not suitable for measuring radon gas since it is sensitive enough to measure background radiation. However, there are radon gas detectors that are easy to use and more accurate with the use of an activated charcoal.

With regards to radioactivity, it is the spontaneous emission of energy from the nucleus of certain atoms wherein uranium stands as the most radioactive material. Alpha, beta, and gamma are the three forms of energy associated with radioactivity. They were classified according to the penetrating power of radiation.

The alpha rays are the nuclei of helium atoms, the beta rays were found to be electrons, and gamma rays are high-energy photons.

Read more