Alpha radiation detector

ZnO:Ga nanorods grown on 1″ × 1″ FTO glass substrate is coupled to a photomultiplier tube (Make: Electron Tube, model:9256 KA) with spectral response 300 nm to 650 nm using silicon grease. PMT tube is wrapped using black tape to prevent the interference from external light. 14 Pin PMT base is connected to a commercially available 1 K MCA with an inbuilt voltage divider for PMT, preamplifier and spectroscopy amplifier. MCA is then connected to the control and display system. PMT high voltage and gain can be controlled with spectrum acquisition and analysis software. A long cylindrical column having diameter higher than that of PMT is attached with MCA. Another end of the column is inserted in a cylindrical vessel which acts as the detection and measurement chamber and also as the base for the stability of the unit. The stand of variable sizes can be placed in the chamber for mounting the alpha source. Alpha particles emitted from radiation source interact with ZnO:Ga nanorods (Fig. 3a). UV photons are generated during the interaction and converted into an electrical pulse by the photomultiplier tube. These pulses are analyzed by MCA and displayed as pulse height spectra on control and display system screen as shown in the enlarged view of the detection unit (Fig. 3b).