Windowless Alpha/Beta Detector

Alpha and beta particle detectors currently employed in field operations suffer from frequent damage to the aluminized mylar window on the face of the detector.  To address this deficiency, Corvid Technologies, LLC proposes a new type of alpha and beta particle detector that replaces the aluminized mylar window with a permanent layer of epoxy and carbon nanoparticles. In Phase I, Corvid demonstrated the ability of the improved protective layer to allow alpha and beta particle detection while remaining very durable. Corvid also demonstrated the feasibility of using silicon photomultipliers in place of photomultiplier tubes to improve the SWaP and durability of the uni. The full prototype we will develop in Phase II will have a detection efficiency equal to the currently employed detectors while being rugged, low power, and lightweight. Additionally, the use of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components and common low-cost thick film application techniques ensure the solution will be low-cost and commercially feasible.