Frederiksen Spark Detector

The Alpha particle Spark Detector from Frederiksen has been developed to enable visualization of alpha particles. The apparatus can be likened to a GM tube, but using atmospheric air instead of the diluted quenching gas in the tube.
When alpha particles ionize the air in the spark gap of the detector, bright sparks can be both seen and heard. The apparatus incorporates a transparent lid, which allows clear observation of the sparks.
The detector requires connection to safe high voltage (EHT) power supply with voltage range of 0-5 kV or 0-6 kV. The apparatus can be safely used directly on bench top or table and includes a removable threaded steel rod for mounting the unit on a radioactivity bench (RA95610) or squat retort base with thumbscrew (ST96274).
• Gives clearly visible and audible response to alpha radiation
• Demonstrates the ionization of air by alpha particles
• Detects alpha radiation from radioactive minerals or radioactive sources
• Allows study of range in air shielding by different materials