To examine the characteristics of solid state

detector and to use it for alpha and beta

spectroscopy and compare the results with those
obtained by scintillation counter
SPECTROSCOPY:
• Spectroscopy is scientific technique used to study how matter interacts with different forms of energy,
such as electromagnetic radiation or particles.
• It involves analyzing the spectrum of energy emitted, absorbed, or scattered to gain insights into its
composition, structure, and properties.

Types:
There are different types of spectroscopies; electromagnetic spectroscopy , mass spectroscopy, particle spectroscopy etc.
Here our main concern is with particle spectroscopy.
Particle spectroscopy:
• It is used to study the behavior and characteristics of particles such as alpha and beta particles.
• In particle spectroscopy, detectors are used to measure the energy and other properties of emitted particles
from radioactive sources.
• Particle spectroscopy help in identifying radiation types, energy levels, and decay mechanisms.
What happens in particle spectroscopy:
Emission:
• In particle spectroscopy, the radioactive material emits alpha or beta particles. These particles have
specific energies depending on the decay process.
Detection:
• These particles are detected by solid-state detectors or scintillation counters, which convert the energy
of the particles into electrical signals. The energy is then analyzed to determine the properties of the
particles.

Unlike in electromagnetic spectroscopy, there is no absorption and re-emission in particle spectroscopy.

Instead, you are detecting particles that are emitted directly from radioactive decay. The energy of these
particles is what is measured.
Solid state detector:
A solid state detector is a device used to detect and measure radiation, such as alpha, beta or
amma particles. These detectors utilize solid materials typically semiconductors, to achieve high sensitivity,
nergy resolution and fast response times.

onstruction:
Semiconductor material
P-N junction
Voltage source

Working principle:
The solid-state detector is exposed to ionizing radiation (alpha, beta, or gamma rays).
When the radiation interacts with the semiconductor material, it transfers energy to the electrons, causing
some to be excited out of their bonds, creating electron-hole pairs.
When radiation strikes the depletion region, it can impart enough energy to create additional electron-hole
pairs.
The electric field in the depletion region causes the newly generated electrons to drift toward the n-type
electrode (anode) and the holes to drift toward the p-type electrode (cathode).
The movement of these charge carriers generates a measurable electrical current (or voltage pulse). The
size of this pulse is proportional to the energy of the radiation that generated the electron-hole pairs.
L negative bias voltage
Scintillation counter:
A device used for detecting and measuring ionizing radiation. It is widely used for detecting alpha particles,
beta particles, and gamma rays.

Construction:
The main components of scintillation counters are;
• Scintillator
• Photomultiplier tube (photocathode, dynodes, anode)

Working principle:
• When ionizing radiation (alpha, beta, gamma) passes through the scintillator, it interacts with the atoms of
the scintillation material. This interaction excites the atoms, raising their energy levels.
• The excited atoms in the scintillator quickly return to their lower energy state by releasing the excess
energy in the form of visible light or photons. This process is called scintillation.
• The emitted light from the scintillator is directed toward the photomultiplier tube (PMT).
• Inside the PMT, the photocathode converts the light photons into electrons through the photoelectric effect.
• The initial electrons generated by the photocathode are accelerated and multiplied by a series of dynodes.
• Each dynode further amplifies the number of electrons .
• The final stage of the PMT collects the multiplied electrons at the anode, producing a detectable electrical
pulse.
Radiation
light Photomultiplier tube

Sodium iodide
crystal anode
aa
photocathode
 Apparatus:
• Solid State Detector
• Scintillation detector
• Alpha particles
• Beta particles
• Amplifier
• Multichannel analyzer
• Power supply
• Oscilloscope
• Computer with data acquisition software
• Shielding material
• Protective gear
 Procedure:
• Alpha and Beta Spectroscopy with Solid State Detector:
1. Connect the solid state detector to the pre-amplifier, then connect the amplifier to
multichannel analyzer.
2. Place the alpha source at a suitable distance from the detector. Ensure the setup is
properly shielded to avoid background radiation interference.
3. Power on all devices and allow the detector to stabilize.
4. Use a known calibration source to calibrate the detector.
5. Place the alpha source in position, record the energy spectrum using the MCA,
and collect the data over a set duration.
6. Note the energy peaks corresponding to the alpha particles from the source.
7. Replace the alpha source with the beta source.
8. Record the spectrum similarly, identifying the energy distribution of beta particles.
• Alpha and beta spectroscopy using scintillation counter:
1. Replace the solid state detector with the scintillation counter (NaI(Tl) detector) in the
same setup.
2. Connect the scintillation detector to the amplifier, and MCA.
3. Place the alpha source at a suitable distance from the detector. Shield the setup as
before.
4. Calibrate the scintillation counter using the same method as with the solid state
detector, with a known calibration source.
5. Place the alpha source in front of the scintillation detector.
6. Record the spectrum using the MCA and collect data for a defined period.
7. Replace the alpha source with the beta source.
8. Record the spectrum of beta particles, noting the energy distribution.
Precautions:
9. Always handle radioactive sources with care and use appropriate shielding.
10. Calibrate the detectors before taking measurements to ensure accurate result.
11. Avoid any direct exposure to alpha and beta sources by wearing protective gear.
 Aspect Solid State Detector Results Scintillation Counter Results
o Alpha • Clear, sharp energy peaks due to high resolution . • Broad, less defined peaks due to lower
Spectroscopy resolution.
Results
• Distinct peaks are easily distinguishable. • Peaks are wider and less distinct, making
energy separation harder.

o Beta • Moderate resolution; broad energy spectrum due • Good efficiency in detecting beta particles,
Spectroscopy to continuous beta decay spectrum. but still broad spectra.
Results
• Detects beta particles with reasonable energy • Similar broad spectrum for beta particles,
resolution, but less efficient than for alphas. but is more efficient.

o Efficiency for • Very efficient at detecting and resolving alpha • Less efficient at detecting alpha particles;
Alpha particles. fewer counts and less precision
Particles

o Efficiency for • Moderate efficiency for beta particles; the resolution • High efficiency for beta particles, but with
Beta Particles is still reasonable but not as sharp . less distinct energy peaks

o Overall • More accurate for alpha particles due to better • More suited for beta particle detection, but
Accuracy energy separation. less accurate for alphas