Alpha Sensor - AL54

Product Specification

Features and benefits

• Detects alpha, beta and gamma

• Analog and digital output signal

• Very low power consumption (25 µA)

• Sensitivity of the detector: 5 cpm/µSv/h

• High immunity to RF and electrostatic fields

• Linear response over a wide temperature range (-30℃ to 60℃)

• Manufactured in Switzerland

Fields of application

• Radon experiments (detection of the decay products ²¹⁸Po and ²¹⁴Po)

• Instruments for the detection of radioactivity in the medical environment

• Radiation monitors for nuclear surveillance and safety

• Detection of illegal substances

• Scientific courses and practical laboratory experiments

Description of the sensor

The heart of the AL54 radiation sensor is a custom PIN diode covered with a thin aluminum foil to

make it insensitive to light. Electrons (beta) and photons (gamma) easily penetrate the aluminum

foil. Alpha particles which interact with the aluminum foil generate electrons and photons that can be detected by the PIN diode.

The analog output of the pulse charge amplifier can be connected to an energy spectrum analyzer to detect radon decay products such as ²¹⁸Po and ²¹⁴Po.

An integrated pulse discriminator with temperature compensated threshold provides a true TTL

signal output for alpha particles, electrons and photons. The performance of the AL54 solid-state

sensor combined with its extremely low power consumption makes it an excellent choice for physics lab experiments as well as cutting-edge designs.

Absolute maximum ratings

Electrical characteristics

Unless otherwise indicated specified at:V_CC = 5.0 V, T_A = 25℃

Sensor characteristics