How to make a Radiation Detector DIY Project in 60 Sec Leave a comment

A radiation detector detects and identifies high-energy particles produced by nuclear decay, cosmic radiation, or x-ray scanning. This equipment is also known as a Geiger counter. Radiation refers to the emission or transfer of energy in the form of waves or particles. It is often divided into ionizing and non-ionizing radiation based on the energy of the radiated particles and the source of the radiation.

We will only be referring to ionizing radiation in this research. The Geiger counter can only detect ionizing radiation. For example, ionizing radiation is created by —

Electromagnetic radiation includes UV, X-rays, and Gamma rays.

Particle radiation includes alpha (α), beta (β), proton, and neutron radiation.

History of Detection

Previously, photographic plates were employed to detect radiation since it left a trace on the plate after passing through it. Similar to X-ray plates. Cloud chambers were also utilized to detect alpha radiation.
Today, we employ electronic detectors. They can also determine the spin, charge, and direction of the particles in question.

Detector and its types

There are numerous different types of detectors, two of which are well-known: the gaseous ionization detector and the geiger counter.

Gaseous Ionization Detector

It is a radiation detection device used in particle physics to detect the presence of ionizing particles and in radiation protection applications to measure ionising radiation.

Geiger Counter

The Geiger-Mueller counter, sometimes known as the Geiger counter, is the most commonly used detector. The ionization created by incident radiation is collected using a high-voltage central wire between a gas-filled tube. However, it cannot distinguish between different forms of radiation, such as alpha, beta, and gamma radiation.

Types of Ionizing Radiation

These detectors detect three forms of radiation: gamma, beta, and alpha radiation.

Alpha Radiation

Alpha particles or double-ionized helium nuclei. Essentially, these are fast-moving helium atoms. They also have high energy levels measured in MeV. However, because of their huge bulk, they have a poor penetration depth of only a few cm of air or skin.

Beta Radiation

They are fast-moving electrons. Their energy vary from hundreds of KeV to many MeV. They have greater penetration depth due to their lighter bulk. Typically, many feet of air and a few millimeters of lighter substance.

Gamma Radiation

They are a stream of photons. Typical energy ranges from a few keV to many meV. They have a comparatively low mass. Thus, it has a good penetration depth. Usually, a couple inches of lead

Now, with these, you should have a better understanding of radiation and what we’re working on.

Arduino Uno

Arduino UNO is a microcontroller board built around the ATmega328P. It contains 14 digital I/O pins (including 6 PWM outputs), 6 analog inputs, a 16 MHz ceramic resonator, a USB port, a power jack, and a reset button.

It contains everything required to run the microcontroller. Simply connect it to a computer via USB connection or power it with an AC-to-DC adapter or battery to get started. You can tinker with your UNO without worrying about making a mistake; worst case scenario, you can replace the chip for a few dollars and start over.

Requirements

1. Arduino Uno
2. DFRobot’s Geiger Counter Module
3. 1602 LCD Display with I2C module
4. Jumper Cables
5. Arduino IDE
6. DFRobot’s Geiger Counter Module’s library

Coding

Copy and paste the following code into the Arduino IDE after connecting the Arduino UNO to your PC. Before uploading the code, make sure you choose the correct port to which the Arduino UNO is connected.

under recent IDEs, it should be automated; however, if it does not, assign the right port under the IDE’s Tools section.

#include <Wire.h> 
#include <LiquidCrystal_I2C.h>
#include <DFRobot_Geiger.h>

#if defined ESP32
#define detect_pin D3
#else
#define detect_pin 3
#endif

LiquidCrystal_I2C lcd(0x27,16, 2);
DFRobot_Geiger  geiger(detect_pin);

void setup(){
  Serial.begin(9600);

  lcd.init();                   
  lcd.backlight();

  geiger.start();
}

void loop(){ 
  lcd.clear();
  float x= geiger.getCPM();
  Serial.println(x);
  
  lcd.setCursor(0,0);
  lcd.print("CPM :");
  lcd.setCursor(0,1);
  lcd.print(x);

  //Serial.println(geiger.getnSvh());
  //Serial.println(geiger.getuSvh());
  delay(3000);
}

Circuit Diagram and Hardware Interfacing

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Connections

Arduino Uno

1602 LCD Display

Principle of Operation

When the module is powered on, it charges the tube up to 400V. When ionizing radiation passes through the tube, it strikes one of the gas molecules, causing an ion pair and a stray electron to be attracted to the wire in the middle, causing an electrical pulse to be picked up by the IC on the module and sent to the Arduino Uno via the I2C lines and displayed.

Conclusion

If no errors have occurred, you have successfully built a Geiger Counter with Arduino Uno. However, it is important to highlight that the Geiger Counter module employed here is not intended for circumstances when a proper and certified Geiger Counter is definitely required.

This should only be used for educational purposes; do not intentionally expose yourself to radioactive materials. Do not go out looking for or disassembling radioactive parts to find sources. Once radioactive material enters your system, it may have harmful and irreversible effects.