An MPPC alpha detection performance comparison study by two different scintillators

An alpha particle detector employing a GAGG(Ce) scintillation crystal, typically used for X-ray and gamma ray detection, was evaluated with an multi pixel photon counter (MPPC) using a point solid 241Am alpha source. Due to significant noise in the obtained alpha spectrum, the constant fraction timing discrimination (CFTD) method was employed to enhance signal clarity and reveal the alpha peak more distinctly. The alpha energy spectrum performance of the GAGG(Ce) scintillator was compared with that of ZnS(Ag). Experimental results demonstrated that an MPPC coupled with a GAGG(Ce) crystal can effectively serve as an alpha detector. Furthermore, leveraging timing techniques enhance the detection capabilities of the GAGG(Ce) scintillator, particularly in applications such as monitoring airborne radioactive contamination in nuclear facilities and radiotherapy imaging in medicine.