The development of semiconductor detectors for radiometers of alpha-radiation and the examination of the volumetric activity of radon in various areas

Purpose Development of highly sensitive semiconductor detectors of large diameter and manufacturing of a measuring complex—a radiometer based on the developed detectors for studying the activity of alpha particles and the volumetric activity of radon in various media.Methods The detectors were manufactured using surface-barrier and heterojunction technologies. Polishing etchant formulations for silicon have been developed. To obtain plane-parallelism of the plates during chemical etching, a special dynamic setup was used. The structure of the radiometer, electrical circuits, and device software have been developed.Results The results of the development of technology for the manufacture of detectors of large dimensions (30-100 mm in diameter) are presented. Studies of the electrical and radiometric characteristics of surface-barrier n detectors and detectors based on Al-αGe-pSi-Au heterojunctions were carried out. The principle of operation of the electronic components of a radiometer made using these detectors is also given.Conclusion The data of monitoring of radon content in soil air are given. Monitoring results showed that the concentration varies depending on temperature, humidity, and time of day. The GSM/SMS module allows the device to operate in real time.