A new device to measure the activity size distribution of radon progeny in a low level environment

In order to easily measure the activity size distribution of radon progeny, a new instrument was developed that can determine their activity median diameter in a low level environment within 90 min. A four stage low-pressure cascade impactor was used. The particle size cut-off points were >2,100, 700, 210 and 70 nm, based on a particle density of 1 g cm(-3). A 300 metal wire screen diffusion collector facing with a silicon semiconductor detector was placed within the first air inlet in order to measure unattached radon progeny concentrations and also to prevent unattached progeny from entering the impactor. Silicon photodiodes, from which the ceramic windows were removed, were installed in each stage of the impactor. Alpha particles could be effectively detected with 46.2% efficiency as radon progeny were directly collected on the detecting surface of the photodiode. The surface of the photodiodes was coated with silicon grease to prevent particle bounce-off. An inline-type filter holder with a silicon semiconductor detector was connected at the exit of the impactor in order to collect the remaining radon progeny and to measure their concentrations. The instrument was used to concurrently measure the size distribution of radon progeny and the aerosol in the natural environment. The results indicated that the activity median diameter fell in between the median diameter of the aerosol derived from number statistics and that derived from surface-area statistics. A negative correlation was found between the unattached fraction (f(p)) and the activity median diameter.