A guide to building, operating, and safely using a DIY alpha spectrometer with a Canberra PIPS SPD-100-12 detector.
This document explains the theory and practical setup of an alpha spectrometer, covering detector fundamentals, signal processing, amplifier construction, and vacuum chamber assembly. It provides step‑by‑step operating procedures and presents example spectra for several isotopes.
Safety considerations for handling radioactive sources are detailed, including time, distance, and shielding guidelines, as well as a disclaimer on regulatory compliance.
| Active Area | 100 mm² |
|---|---|
| Energy Resolution (FWHM) | 12 keV at 5 MeV |
| Bias Voltage | 40 V |
| Detector Thickness | 100 µm |
The detector has an active area of 100 mm².
A bias voltage of 40 V is applied to the detector.
A charge‑sensitive preamplifier (CSP) is used to convert the detector current pulse into a voltage pulse.