Development of a low-cost monitor for radon detection in air.

Abstract

An active device for radon detection in the air was developed. The monitor operates in pulse counting mode for real-time continuum measurements. The presented prototype has a relatively simple design made of low-price and easy to acquire components which made it possible to develop an inexpensive device. The device uses as sensor the SLCD-61N5 Si-PIN planar photodiode, which has an area of 9.67x9.67 mm2, sensitive to alpha particles. An Arduino Uno microcontroller was used as data acquisition system. Signals were observed when placing an 241Am source near the sensor. The sensor s sensitivity is bias dependent, but the device can operate even at modest voltage. As a result of a one-month test in a rich radon atmosphere, a positive high correlation was obtained between our prototype and a Geiger-Muller detector.