Detection and Analysis of Uncharged Particles Using Consumer-grade CCDs.

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Physics
• Sensor Technology
• National Security

Background:

• Radiological incidents pose a growing threat, necessitating advanced early-warning detection systems.
• Charged-coupled devices (CCDs) are sensitive to particle-induced charge accumulation, enabling event counting and energy estimation.
• Consumer-grade electronics offer a potential platform for widespread radiological detection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the feasibility of using low-cost web cameras with CCDs for detecting uncharged particle emissions from radiological sources.
• To assess the detection efficiency of consumer-grade CCDs relative to established detection methods.
• To explore the potential for repurposing common electronic devices for radiological monitoring.

Main Methods:

• Utilized budget web cameras (Gigaware X76, Z76, Logitech C170, C270) equipped with CCDs.
• Exposed cameras to a Pu-Be neutron howitzer to detect particle emissions.
• Employed Matlab for post-processing video data to count detection events.
• Determined CCD detection efficiency by comparing results to a theoretical flux model and a calibrated Helium-3 tube detector.

Main Results:

• Detected particle emissions using multiple consumer-grade web camera models.
• Calculated relative detection efficiencies for the tested CCDs, ranging from 14% to 18%.
• Observed a linear correlation between incident particle energy and the CCD pixel response.

Conclusions:

• Consumer-grade web cameras with CCDs can serve as effective, low-cost detectors for radiological particles.
• The established detection efficiency and linear energy response suggest practical applications in radiological monitoring.
• This research supports the development of accessible early-warning systems for national security.