Invented back in 1908.German physicist Hans Wilhelm Geiger, an instrument capable of detecting ionizing radiation is widely used today. The reason for this is the high sensitivity of the device, its ability to register a wide variety of radiation. Simplicity of operation and cheapness make it possible to buy a Geiger counter for anyone who decides to independently measure the radiation level at any time and in any place. What is this device and how does it work?
By its design, the Geiger counter is prettyis simple. In a sealed balloon with two electrodes, a gas mixture consisting of neon and argon is injected, which is easily ionized. A high voltage is applied to the electrodes (of the order of 400 V), which in itself does not cause any discharge phenomena until the ionization process begins in the gaseous medium of the device. The appearance of particles coming from outside leads to the fact that the primary electrons accelerated in the corresponding field begin to ionize other molecules of the gaseous medium. As a result, under the influence of the electric field, an avalanche-like creation of new electrons and ions occurs, which sharply increase the conductivity of the electron-ion cloud. Discharge occurs in the gas medium of the Geiger counter. The number of pulses that occur during a certain period of time is directly proportional to the number of fixed particles. This is in general terms the principle of the Geiger counter.
Despite the fact that the principle of the counterGeiger is quite simple, it is able to react to ionizing radiation of a variety of species. These are α-, β-, γ-, and also x-ray, neutron and ultraviolet radiation. It all depends on the design of the device. Thus, the entrance window of the Geiger counter, capable of recording α- and soft β-radiation, is made of mica with a thickness of 3 to 10 microns. To detect X-ray radiation it is made of beryllium, and ultraviolet - from quartz.
Where the Geiger counter is used
The principle of the Geiger counter is laid inThe basis of the work of most modern dosimeters. These small devices, which have a relatively low cost, are quite sensitive and able to output the results in convenient measurement units. The simplicity of their use makes it possible to operate these devices even for those who have very remote notions of dosimetry.
By its capabilities and measurement accuracydosimeters are professional and household. With the help of them, the available source of ionized radiation can be detected in a timely and efficient manner both in open areas and indoors.
These devices, which use the principle ofthe actions of the Geiger counter, can timely deliver a danger signal with the help of visual, or audio or vibrating signals. So, you can always check food, clothes, inspect furniture, appliances, building materials, etc. for the absence of harmful to the human body emissions.