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Home-Built Radiac (Radiation Detector and Meter) for a Surplus DT-590A/PDR-56F Scintillation Probe

Posted on February 2, 2012 by David Prutchi Posted in Chapter 3 - Atoms and Radioactvity, Ionizing Radiation Detection, Photomultipliers, Radio-Isotope Identification, Scintillation Detector

Home-Made PDR-56F Radiac for a surplus DT-590A/PDR-56F Plutonium Contamination Probe

Military DT-590A/PDR-56 “x-ray” probes are widely available in the surplus market.  They were meant to be used with the military Radiac Set AN/PDR-56, which is a portable scintillation-type instrument used for detection of plutonium-239 contamination. In addition to emitting 5.1 MeV alpha particles, Plutonium-239 also emits gamma rays in the energy range of 14 to 21 keV. Because these gamma rays are more penetrating than the alpha particles, they travel further in matter and air and can be detected at longer distances from the ground. The probe uses a CaF2(Eu) scintillator/photomultiplier combination to detect these 14-21 keV gammas from Pu-239. The discriminator inside the probe is factory-tuned to detect only pulses from the Pu-239 gamma rays. Hopefully you don’t have plutonium contamination in your basement, so you can set the discriminator window wide open to make the probe sensitive to a much wider range of gamma energies. In addition, you can replace the CaF2(Eu) crystal by a NaI(Tl) scintillation crystal assembly. This will turn the instrument into a general-purpose gamma radiation detector that will outperform virtually any handheld Geiger counter in the detection of 100keV to 1.3MeV photons.

PDR56 Circuit Continue reading→

Converting a DT-590A/PDR-56F “X-Ray” Probe into a General-Purpose NaI(Tl) Gamma Probe

Posted on February 1, 2012 by David Prutchi Posted in Chapter 3 - Atoms and Radioactvity, Ionizing Radiation Detection, PMT/Scintillation Processor, Scintillation Detector

PDR56 probe modification for general-purpose gamma detection

The military Radiac Set, AN/PDR-56 is a portable scintillation type instrument used for detection of alpha contamination. The system includes a large and small interchangeable probe with a probe extension.  This system is being phased out by the US Air Force, so new probes are becoming widely available in the surplus market.

The “x-ray” probe for the AN/PDR-56 uses a CaF2(Eu) scintillator/photomultiplier combination to detect the 14-21 keV gammas from Pu-239. The x-ray probe is an assembly which includes the amplifier-discriminator circuits integral to the phototube scintillator housing. The discriminator is a single channel analyzer adjusted to detect Pu-239 gamma rays. Continue reading→

Open-Source Handheld Gamma Spectrometer on Yahoo Group GammaSpectrometry

Posted on February 1, 2012 by David Prutchi Posted in Chapter 3 - Atoms and Radioactvity, Chapter 5 - Wave-Particle Duality, Compton Scattering, Ionizing Radiation Detection, MCA/PHA, Radio-Isotope Identification, Scintillation Detector

GammaGrapher Open-Source MCA developed by members of Yahoo Group GCE

An amateur-use open-source gamma spectrum analyzer is being developed by members of the GeigerCounterEnthusiast (GCE) Yahoo Group.  This multichannel analyzer (MCA) is based on the STM32F103VBT6 microcontroller.  It displays spectra on a color LCD.

To access the design files (and hopefully to participate in the development) you will need to join the GammaSpectrometry Yahoo Group (free membership).  Join through: http://groups.yahoo.com/ Continue reading→

d.i.y. Handheld Multichannel Analyzer (MCA) based on 16F877 PIC Microcontroller and LCD

Posted on February 1, 2012 by David Prutchi Posted in Ionizing Radiation Detection, MCA/PHA, PMT/Scintillation Processor, Radio-Isotope Identification

Isotope gama spectra obtained with d.i.y. multichannel analyzer (MCA)

Some time ago I was developing a medical instrument which required histogramming, which got me in the mood to retake my own PIC MCA project(http://home.comcast.net/~prutchi/index_files/scint.htm ).   I used the variable RAM in the microcontroller (16F877), so I limited the number of channels to 95 and let the histogram run until some channel reaches 240 counts (the highest 8-bit number that yields an integer when divided by 8 which is also divisible by the 30 pixel height of the LCD). The firmware then displays the spectrum as a bar with a maximum height of 30 pixels for each one of the 95 channels. Continue reading→

Prototyping PCB for d.i.y. Photomultiplier (PMT) Amplifier/Processor

Posted on January 31, 2012 by David Prutchi Posted in Chapter 2 - Light as Particles, Chapter 3 - Atoms and Radioactvity, Chapter 7 - Schrödinger's Wave Equation, Compton Scattering, Ionizing Radiation Detection, Photomultipliers, PMT/Scintillation Processor, Scintillation Detector, Single-Photon Experiments

Printed circuit board for diy PMT amplifier, processor, discriminator and scintillator detector

We built the bulk of our PMT amplifier/processor/discriminator on a Universal PDIP Operational Amplifier Evaluation Module by Texas Instruments (model OPAMPEVM-PDIP).  Click on the picture above for a full-size version of the picture.

The diagram in the following pdf file shows the connection layout for the circuit shown in the book’s Figure 34: PMT Processor PCB  Continue reading→

d.i.y. Mod for Perkin Elmer SPCM-AQR Single-Photon Detector Module to Improve Photon Timing Performance

Posted on January 31, 2012 by David Prutchi Posted in Chapter 8 - Entanglement, Entanglement, Photon/Coincidence Counter, Single-Photon Counting Modules (SPCMs), Single-Photon Experiments

Perkin-Elmer SPCM for diy quantum entanglement experiments modified to improve photon-counting timing performanceI. Rech, I. Labanca, M. Ghioni, and S. Cova of the Politecnico di Milano in Italy described an interesting modification to the Perkin Elmer SPCM-AQR Single-Photon Counting Module (SPCM) to improve its timing characteristics in:

I. Rech, I. Labanca, M. Ghioni, and S. Cova, “Modified single photon counting modules for optimal timing performance“, Rev. Sci. Instrum. 77, 033104 (2006); doi:10.1063/1.2183299 (5 pages). Continue reading→

Matlab Video Frame Integration Program Using VCAPG2 for Single-Photon Double-Slit Interference Experiment

Posted on January 30, 2012 by David Prutchi Posted in Chapter 5 - Wave-Particle Duality, Single-Photon Experiments, Single-Photon Imaging, Two-Slit Interference

Frame integration of single-photon double-slit interference experiment

In Chapter 5 of the book we list a short Matlab® program to integrate successive video frames from our diy intensified camera to image double-slit interference patterns obtained by shooting a single photon at a time.

The program listed in the book uses Vision for Matlab (VFM).  However, this utility is not compatible with all versions of Windows and Matlab.  An alternative is VCAPG2 by Kazuyuki Kobayashi available at http://www.ikko.k.hosei.ac.jp/~matlab/matkatuyo/vcapg2.htm  (Also available from our SOFTWARE page). Continue reading→

DN1221 Thermoelectric Controller for d.i.y. Single-Photon Counter Module

Posted on January 27, 2012 by David Prutchi Posted in Chapter 8 - Entanglement, Single-Photon Counting Modules (SPCMs), Single-Photon Experiments

DN1221 thermoelectric cooler controller for diy single-photon counter moduleFigure 144 in the book shows the schematic diagram for our d.i.y. thermoelectrically cooled single-photon avalanche photodiode (SPAD).  Our design calls for a ThermOptics DN1225 TEC controller.  However, this model is not available any more.  Fortunatelly, the ThermOptics’ DN1221 subminiature Bipolar Temperature Controller for Thermoelectric Coolers (TEC) is equally suitable by adapting the pinout and adjusting component values. Continue reading→

We Received The First Copies of Our d.i.y. Quantum Physics Book!

Posted on January 25, 2012 by David Prutchi Posted in Administrative, Book Chapters, Experiments, Instrumentation

Cover of "Exploring Quantum Physics Through Hands-On Projects" by David Prutchi and Shanni R PrutchiToday we received the first two copies of the book!  Amazon’s website says that it will be shipping on January 29, 2012.

From the back cover:

“Build an intuitive understanding of the principles behind quantum mechanics through practical construction and replication of original experiments.

With easy-to-acquire, low-cost materials and basic knowledge of algebra and trigonometry, Exploring Quantum Physics through Hands-on Projects takes readers step by step through the process of re-creating scientific experiments that played an essential role in the creation and development of quantum mechanics.

Presented in near chronological order—from discoveries of the early twentieth century to new material on entanglement—this book includes question- and experiment-filled chapters on:

  • Light as a Wave
  • Light as Particles
  • Atoms and Radioactivity
  • The Principle of Quantum Physics
  • Wave/Particle Duality
  • The Uncertainty Principle
  • Schrödinger (and his Zombie Cat)
  • Entanglement

From simple measurements of Planck’s constant to testing violations of Bell’s inequalities using entangled photons, Exploring Quantum Physics through Hands-on Projects not only immerses readers in the process of quantum mechanics, it gives them insight into the history of the field—how the theories and discoveries apply to our world not only today . . . but also tomorrow.

By immersing readers in groundbreaking experiments that can be performed at home, school, or in the lab, this first-ever, hands-on book successfully demystifies the world of quantum physics for all who seek to explore it—from science enthusiasts and undergrad physics students to practicing physicists and engineers.”

Excelitas Technologies (Perkin-Elmer) C30902SH Single-Photon Avalanche Photodiode (SPAD) used in d.i.y. SPCM

Posted on January 25, 2012 by David Prutchi Posted in Bell's Inequality Test, Chapter 8 - Entanglement, Entanglement, Quantum Random Number Generation, Single-Photon Counting Modules (SPCMs), Single-Photon Experiments
Excelitas Technologies C30902S-DTC SPAD used in d.i.y. single-photon counting module

Image Credit: Excelitas Technologies

Figure 144 in the book shows the schematic diagram for our d.i.y. passively-quenched SPCM based on a Perkin-Elmer C30902S-DTC SPAD.

In our circuit, the SPAD is reverse-biased through a 200kΩ resistor. This value is sufficiently large that an avalanche in the SPAD will be quenched by itself within less than a nanosecond. The pulses produced by the SPAD are AC-coupled to a fast constant-level discriminator which has an output that is compatible with TTL logic circuits. Continue reading→

Type I Downconversion Beta-Barium-Borate (BBO) Crystal Array for diy Entangled Photon Source

Posted on January 23, 2012 by David Prutchi Posted in Bell's Inequality Test, Chapter 8 - Entanglement, Entangled-Photon Source, Entanglement, Single-Photon Experiments

Photop BBO crystal array for diy entangled photon sourceOur diy entangled-photon source, shown in the book’s Figure 142,  uses two BBO crystals that support type I down-conversion that are mounted according to a design by Paul Kwiat and his colleagues at the Los Alamos National Laboratory.

The nonlinear crystal in our photon entangler comprises two 5 mm x 5 mm x 0.1 mm BBO crystals mounted face-to-face at an angle of 90 degrees to each other. As shown in the book’s Figure 140, pump photons polarized at 45 degrees produce two cones of entangled down-converted photons.

Continue reading→

405 nm Pump Laser for diy Entangled Photon Source

Posted on January 23, 2012 by David Prutchi Posted in Bell's Inequality Test, Chapter 8 - Entanglement, Entangled-Photon Source, Entanglement, Quantum Random Number Generation, Single-Photon Experiments

405 nm UV pump laser used in diy entangled photon source

This is the 405 nm pump laser used in the circuit shown in the book’s Figure 141.   The laser is built from a Blu Ray disk burner laser diode.  We drive the laser diode with 160 mA to produce around 100 mW of 405-nm polarized light.  The laser diode is capable of producing 250 mW, but we prefer to drive it much more conservatively. Continue reading→

diy PMT Pulse Processor Suitable For Use With “Pulse Recorder and Analyser (PRA)” MCA

Posted on January 20, 2012 by David Prutchi Posted in Chapter 2 - Light as Particles, Chapter 5 - Wave-Particle Duality, Compton Scattering, Ionizing Radiation Detection, MCA/PHA, Photomultipliers, PMT/Scintillation Processor, Scintillation Detector, Single-Photon Experiments 2 Comments

diy Photomultiplier Processor

Figure 34 in the book shows the schematic diagram for the photomultiplier tube (PMT) signal processing circuit that amplifies the narrow pulses detected by the PMT probe.  The discriminator stage removes small pulses produced by thermal noise in the tube.  A pulse stretcher outputs pulses that can be heard on a speaker.  In addition, the analog output is suitable for use with a sound-card-based multichannel pulse-height analyzer (MCA). Continue reading→

diy Low-Cost, Regulated, Variable, Low-Ripple High-Voltage (2kV) Photomultiplier Tube Power Supply

Posted on January 20, 2012 by David Prutchi Posted in Chapter 2 - Light as Particles, Chapter 3 - Atoms and Radioactvity, Chapter 5 - Wave-Particle Duality, Compton Scattering, High-Voltage Power Supply, Ionizing Radiation Detection, MCA/PHA, Photomultipliers, Scintillation Detector, Single-Photon Experiments

diy Low-cost, regulated, variable-output photomultiplier power supply

The book’s Figure 32 shows the schematic diagram for a low-cost, variable-voltage PMT power supply based on a BXA-12579 inverter module that is originally designed as a power supply for cold-cathode fluorescent lamps.  This under-$20 module produces 1,500VAC at around 30kHz from a 12VDC input.

We are posting this picture to help you build your own power supply.  It shows the BXA-12579 that has been modified as described in the book.   The op-amp to the right of the CCFL module is used to control the voltage supplied to the module.  The high-voltage AC output of the inverter is rectified and doubled and filtered by the diodes and capacitors at the left of the CCFL module. Continue reading→

Beam Diagram for Entangled-Photon Source

Posted on January 14, 2012 by David Prutchi Posted in Chapter 8 - Entanglement, Entangled-Photon Source, Entanglement, Single-Photon Experiments

diy Entangled photon source described in the book  "Exploring Quantum Physics through Hands-On Experiments" by David Prutchi Ph.D. and Shanni R. Prutchi

This picture supplements Figure 148 in the book.  The colors should help you visualize the paths of the beams in our entangled-photon source:  Violet – 405 nm pump laser beam; Pink – 810 nm signal and idler entangled-photon beams.  A detailed schematic diagram for the entangler is available in the book’s Figure 147.  Figure 149 shows the 405 nm beamstop. Continue reading→

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