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Updated: Feb 18, 2026
14:16
Fluorescence detection methods for microfluidic droplet platforms
Published on: December 10, 2011
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APPLICATION OF DROPLET DETECTORS TO ALPHA RADIATION DETECTION
T Morlat1, A C Fernandes1, M Felizardo1
1C2TN, Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, E.N. 10, Bobadela LRS, Portugal.
Radiation Protection Dosimetry
|November 18, 2017
Summary
Superheated droplet detectors (SDDs) can detect alpha particles using C2ClF5. The study developed a model and experiments to show SDDs are viable alpha spectrometers, especially with uniform droplet sizes.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear physics
- Particle detection instrumentation
Background:
- Superheated droplet detectors (SDDs) are primarily used for neutron detection.
- Alpha particle detection presents unique challenges for traditional SDD applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the feasibility of using C2ClF5 in SDDs for alpha particle detection.
- To develop and validate a computational and geometric model for alpha-droplet interactions within SDDs.
Main Methods:
- Computational studies of alpha-droplet interactions.
- Experimental validation using uranium- and samarium-doped SDDs at varying temperatures (5-12°C).
- Development of an attenuation coefficient to account for temperature-dependent signal reduction.
Main Results:
- Event rate in SDDs correlates with droplet size.
- Experimental data aligns with the model below 8°C.
- An attenuation coefficient improved model agreement at higher temperatures (above 8°C) by addressing bubble population effects.
Conclusions:
- Superheated droplet detectors show promise for alpha particle detection.
- The developed model accurately describes detector response, especially with an attenuation coefficient.
- Mono-sized droplets are key for a viable SDD-based alpha spectrometer.
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