LRAD-BASED ALPHA-PARTICLE CONTAMINATION MONITORING OF PERSONNEL AND EQUIPMENT

Traditional alpha-particle contamination monitors are limited in usefu lness because of the short range of alpha particles in air. This range limitation makes it impossible to adequately monitor for alpha-partic le contamination on uneven surfaces and inside equipment. Personnel mu st be scanned manually, a procedure that is comparatively uncertain. T he long-range alpha detector eliminates many of the difficulties assoc iated with equipment and personnel monitoring by detecting the ions pr oduced by the alpha particles interaction with the air, rather than de tecting the alpha particle itself. The personnel and equipment monitor s are described in detail, and other potential applications are sugges ted.