Comparison of New Simple Methods in Fabricating ZnS(Ag) Scintillators for Detecting Alpha Particles

Abstract

The silver-activated zinc sulfide, ZnS(Ag), sensor to detect alpha-particles is normally fabricated by means of heat-melting or epoxy mixing spread. However, the fabrication process is very complicated so that it creates high costs and requires special high-tech equipment to manufacture the detector. For this reason, we have developed a new fabrication method which has the advantages of process simplicity and also high efficiency. The alpha particle response of the detector manufactured by the new spreading method was evaluated at varied thicknesses of ZnS(Ag) and the detection efficiency was better than for other methods like liquid brush method with an Am-241 alpha radiation source. Compared to conventional ZnS(Ag) detectors, the new detector shows a good detection efficiency, and its simple and low cost design makes it an economical and commercial alternative to more expensive alpha survey instruments.