This is a spark detector for alpha particles from an Americium sample. It runs on 6 kV via a 400 k ohm resistor and a 100 pF capacitor and has about 0.2 inches between wires and is about 0.2 inches deep.
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The wires are not ideal and have imperfections so don’t have a good distribution of sparks. The left half of the wires are from single strands of tinned copper wire from a small insulated connecting wire from a microwave oven. The right side is slightly thicker stainless steel wire. Tungsten wire would be preferable but the only size I have is a ridiculous 0.0015 inch.
The wires need to be of uniform height and tension so they don’t sag. Also being individually replaceable would be helpful if they are bumped or broken.
I am looking for a better version later with on board power supply. The voltage needs to recover rapidly so the next spark can happen but not accumulate with a progressively rising voltage so that it begins to spark by itself. A voltage multiplier might not be best and the supply should be regulated to allow fine adjustment.
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External links
Photo Date: May 10, 2012