Spinthariscope Based MPPC Alpha Detector

An alpha particle detector was constituted by favour of an MPPC (Multi-Pixel Photon Counter) using a ZnS(Ag) sheet named "spinthariscope." It was coupled to front side of the MPPC's window. Since obtained Ra-226 alpha spectrum by the MPPC was highly noisy, a timing measurement method (constant fraction discrimination) was implemented to overcome this unfavourableness. Obtained results showed that the used timing method was quite successful for acquiring the noise discriminated alpha spectrum and improving the alpha peak energy resolution. It was concluded from this proposed experimental technique that an MPPC could be used as an alpha detector via a spinthariscope and improved the alpha peak resolution using the mentioned timing measurement method.