Experiencing Bluetooth® issues with Go Direct® sensors on Chromebooks? Get help here.

Vernier Radiation Monitor User Manual

Order Code: VRM-BTD

The Vernier Radiation Monitor is used to monitor alpha, beta, and gamma radiation. It can be used with a number of interfaces to measure the total number of counts per specified timing interval.

Use this sensor to

  • Detect the presence of a source of radiation.
  • Monitor counts/interval (rate) as different thicknesses of a particular type of shielding are placed between the Geiger-Mueller tube of the Radiation Monitor and a beta or gamma source.
  • Compare the effect of different types of materials to shield beta or gamma radiation.
  • Set up a histogram with a very long run time to show students how initial randomness of data develops first in a Poisson distribution, and then into a Gaussian distribution curve.
  • Measure radiation of common radioactive materials, such as lantern mantels or pre-World War II Fiestaware.
  • Monitor variation in background radiation at different elevations.
  • Monitor radioactivity in the environment over long periods of time.
  • Monitor counts per interval (rate) from a beta or gamma radiation source as a function of the distance between the source and the Radiation Monitor.

Note: Vernier products are designed for educational use. Our products are not designed nor are they recommended for any industrial, medical, or commercial process such as life support, patient diagnosis, control of a manufacturing process, or industrial testing of any kind.

Compatible Software

Choose a platform below to see its compatibility requirements. This sensor requires an interface (sold separately).

LabQuest
InterfaceLabQuest App
LabQuest 3Full support
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)Full support
LabQuest (discontinued)Full support
Computers
Software
InterfaceGraphical AnalysisLogger Pro
LabQuest MiniFull supportFull support
LabQuest 3Full supportFull support
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)Full supportFull support
LabQuest Stream (discontinued)Full support 1Full support
LabQuest (discontinued)Full supportFull support
LabPro (discontinued)IncompatibleFull support 2

Compatibility Notes

  1. Connect LabQuest Stream via USB. Wireless connection is not supported.
  2. Sensor does not auto-ID; manual setup is required.
Chromebook
Software
InterfaceGraphical Analysis
LabQuest MiniFull support
LabQuest 3Full support
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)Full support
LabQuest Stream (discontinued)Full support 1
LabQuest (discontinued)Full support

Compatibility Notes

  1. Connect LabQuest Stream via USB. Wireless connection is not supported.
iOS
Software
InterfaceGraphical AnalysisGraphical Analysis GW
LabQuest Stream (discontinued)Full supportFull support
LabQuest 3Full support 1Full support 1
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)Full support 1Full support 1

Compatibility Notes

  1. iOS and Androidâ„¢ devices can only connect to LabQuest 2 or LabQuest 3 via Wireless Data Sharing.
Android
Software
InterfaceGraphical AnalysisGraphical Analysis GW
LabQuest Stream (discontinued)Full supportIncompatible
LabQuest 3Full support 1Full support 1
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)Full support 1Full support 1

Compatibility Notes

  1. iOS and Androidâ„¢ devices can only connect to LabQuest 2 or LabQuest 3 via Wireless Data Sharing.
Arduino
Software
InterfaceArduino
Vernier Arduino® Interface ShieldFull support
LabVIEW
Software
InterfaceNI LabVIEW
SensorDAQ (discontinued)Full support
Vernier myDAQ AdapterFull support
LabQuest MiniFull support
LabQuest Stream (discontinued)Full support
LabQuest 3Full support
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)Full support
LabQuest (discontinued)Full support
Texas Instruments
Software
InterfaceEasyDataDataMateDataQuestTI-Nspire Software
CBL 2 (discontinued)Full support 1 2Full support 1 2 3IncompatibleIncompatible
LabPro (discontinued)Full support 1 2Full support 1 2 3IncompatibleIncompatible
TI-Nspire Lab Cradle (discontinued)IncompatibleIncompatibleFull supportFull support

Compatibility Notes

  1. EasyData and DataMate do not support this sensor. Use DataRad (not supported on color screen TI-84 Plus calculators).
  2. CBL 2 and LabPro interfaces cannot be used with TI-84 Plus CE calculators.
  3. DataMate cannot be used with color screen TI-84 Plus calculators; use EasyData with these calculators.

Quick Start

  1. Plug the sensor into the interface (LabQuest 3, LabQuest Mini, etc.).
  2. Connect the interface to your device.
    • If using USB, connect to the USB port on your computer.
    • If using Bluetooth® wireless technology, click your interface type and then select your device.
  3. Prepare for data collection:
    • Vernier Graphical Analysis®: Launch the app, if necessary, and click Sensor Data Collection.
    • LabQuest® App: Choose New from the File menu.

The software will identify the sensor and load a default data-collection setup. You are now ready to collect data.

Need Additional Information?

Visit the following link:

www.vernier.com/start-lq-sensor

Videos

Specifications

Sensor

LND 712 (or equivalent) halogen-quenched GM tube with a 1.5 to
2.0 mg/cm2 mica end window

Gamma sensitivity

18 cps/mR/hr referenced to Co-60

Temperature range

–20 to 50°C

Operating range CPS

0–3,500

Suggested Experiments

Counts/Interval vs. Distance Studies

The data in the two graphs below were collected by monitoring gamma radiation at various distances from a Radiation Monitor. Data were collected with the run intervals set at 100 seconds. After each 100-second interval, the source was moved one centimeter further from the source. Since distance is proportional to time (300 seconds in the first graph corresponds to 3 cm in the second graph;
400 seconds to 4 cm, etc.), a new distance column was made using time divided by 100. The curved fit shown corresponds to distance raised to the –2 power (inverse squared).

Counts/interval vs. time and distance

Counts/Interval vs. Shielding Studies

The data shown here were collected by monitoring gamma radiation with an increasing number of pieces of silver foil placed between the source and a Radiation Monitor. Data was collected with the run interval set at 100 seconds. After each 100-second interval, another piece of silver foil was placed between the source and the Radiation Monitor. Since the number of pieces is proportional to time (300 seconds corresponds to 3 pieces of foil, 400 seconds to 4 pieces of foil, etc.), a new column, pieces of silver foil, was made using time divided by 100.

Counts/interval vs. thickness of filter

Half-Life Determination (Counts/Interval vs. Time)

Using a daughter isotope generator, it is possible to generate isotopes with a relatively short half-life. A solution that selectively dissolves a short half-life daughter isotope is passed through the generator. The linear plot of natural log of decay rate vs. time can be used to determine the half-life of the daughter isotope, using the formula

ln 2 = λt½

where λ is the decay rate constant and t½ is the half-life of the daughter isotope (in minutes).

In the plot of natural log of decay rate vs. time, the decay rate constant, λ, is equal to –m. Using the slope value of m = –0.217 in the example here, the
half-life was calculated to be 3.19 minutes.

Half-life determination

Histogram Data Analysis

For an easy in-class experiment, set up a histogram with a very long run time and start data collection. Whenever the graph overflows the top of the graph, it will be rescaled. This data collection shows students how initial randomness of data develops into a Gaussian distribution. A gamma radiation source was used.

A distribution graph

Lantern Mantles

This graph shows a study of old and new Coleman mantle lanterns. These mantles formerly contained thorium and were often used for radiation demonstrations. In the early 1990s, Coleman changed the production methods and now the mantles are not radioactive. First, no mantle was near the monitor for ten minutes, then an old mantle for ten minutes, and then a new, non-radioactive mantle for the last ten minutes.

New and old lantern mantles

Background Radiation

Here is an experiment performed in the days before airlines insisted that you turn off your personal computer before takeoff. It shows the counts/interval between takeoff and the time the plane reached its cruising altitude of 39,000 ft.

Radiation during an airline flight

Curricular Materials

Nuclear Radiation with Vernier

by John Gastineau

This book has six experiments written for the Vernier Radiation Monitor. Each of the six experiments has a computer version (for LabPro, LabQuest, or LabQuest Mini), a calculator version (for LabPro or CBL 2â„¢), and a LabQuest version (for LabQuest 3, LabQuest 2, or the original LabQuest as a standalone device). The electronic resources for Nuclear Radiation with Vernier contain the word-processing files for all student experiments.

Radioactive Sources

If you do not have radiation sources, you may be able to obtain pre-1990 Coleman lantern mantles or other brands of lantern mantles (for a weak source of Thorium). You may also be able to find pottery, watches, clocks, or minerals that are moderately radioactive. Vaseline glass and red-orange Fiestaware plates made prior to 1943 can be found in antique stores.

For something more active, order radioactive minerals from these scientific supply houses. The
2.5 cm disk sources of alpha, beta and gamma radiation are particularly convenient.

Flinn Scientific Inc.

P.O. Box 219

Batavia, IL 60510

Phone (800) 452-1261

www.flinnsci.com

Spectrum Techniques

106 Union Valley Road

Oak Ridge, TN 37830

Phone (865) 482-9937

www.spectrumtechniques.com

 

Care and Maintenance

Do not insert anything through the screen at the tip of the sensor. The surface is very fragile.

Do not wrap the cable tightly around the sensor for storage. Repeatedly doing so can irreparably damage the wires and is not covered under warranty.

How the Sensor Works

The Radiation Monitor senses ionizing radiation by means of a Geiger-Mueller (GM) tube. The tube is fully enclosed inside the instrument. When ionizing radiation or a particle strikes the tube, it is sensed electronically and monitored by a computer and by a flashing count light. There is an optional audio signal. Radiation is measured in counts in a time interval, as configured in data-collection software. About 5 to 25 counts at random intervals (depending on location and altitude) can be expected every minute from naturally occurring background radiation. The flashing count light will always flash when an event is detected. To enable or disable the audio signal, use the switch on the side of the unit.

The end of the GM tube has a thin mica window. This mica window is protected by the screen at the end of the sensor. It allows alpha particles to reach the GM tube and be detected. The mica window will also sense low energy beta particles and gamma radiation that cannot penetrate the plastic case or the side of the tube. Note: Some very low energy radiation cannot be detected through the mica window. The tube is fragile and physical damage to the window is not covered by the warranty.

Note: Since the software must count pulses for one data-collection interval before reporting a value, a reading will never be shown at t = 0.

Further Tips for Monitoring Radiation

To measure gamma and X-rays, hold the tip of the Radiation Monitor toward the source of radiation. Low-energy gamma radiation (10–40 KeV) cannot penetrate the side of the GM tube, but may be detected through the end window.

To detect alpha radiation, position the monitor so the suspected source of radiation is next to the GM window. Alpha radiation will not travel far through air, so put the source as close as possible (within 1/4 inch) to the screen without touching it. Even a humid day can limit the already short distance an alpha particle can travel.

To detect beta radiation, point the end window toward the source of radiation. Beta radiation has a longer range through air than alpha particles, but can usually be shielded (e.g., by a few millimeters of aluminum). High energy beta particles may be monitored through the back of the case.

To determine whether radiation is alpha, beta, or gamma, hold the tip of the monitor toward the specimen. If there is an indication of radioactivity, it is most likely gamma or high energy beta. Place a piece of aluminum about 3 mm (1/8") thick between the case and the specimen. If the indication stops, the radiation is most likely beta. (To some degree, most common radioactive isotopes emit both beta and gamma radiation.) If there is no indication through the back of the case, position the end window close to, but not touching, the specimen. If there is an indication, it is probably alpha or beta. If a sheet of paper is placed between the window, and the indication stops, the radiation is most likely alpha. In order to avoid particles falling into the instrument, do not hold the specimen directly above the end window.

The Radiation Monitor does not detect neutron, microwave, radio frequency (RF), laser, infrared, or ultraviolet radiation. Some isotopes it will detect relatively well are cesium-137, cobalt-60, technicium-99m, phosphorus-32, and strontium-90.

Some types of radiation are very difficult or impossible for this GM tube to detect. Beta emissions from tritium are too weak to detect using the Radiation Monitor. Americium-241, used in some smoke detectors, can overexcite the GM tube and give an indication of a higher level of radiation than is actually there.

Troubleshooting

For troubleshooting and FAQs, see www.vernier.com/til/3207

Repair Information

If you have watched the related product video(s), followed the troubleshooting steps, and are still having trouble with your Radiation Monitor, contact Vernier Technical Support at support@vernier.com or call 888-837-6437. Support specialists will work with you to determine if the unit needs to be sent in for repair. At that time, a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number will be issued and instructions will be communicated on how to return the unit for repair.

Warranty

This product is warranted to the original owner to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for five years from the date of purchase. The Geiger-Mueller tube is covered by a one-year warranty.

Vernier will, at its own discretion, repair or replace this instrument if it fails to operate properly within this warranty period unless the warranty has been voided by any of the following circumstances: misuse, abuse, or neglect of this instrument voids this warranty; modification or repair of this instrument by anyone other than Vernier voids this warranty; contamination of this instrument with radioactive materials voids this warranty. Contaminated instruments will not be accepted for servicing at our repair facility.

The GM tube has a finite life span, and it is normal that it must be replaced after a few years, although some tubes last much longer. Tubes that fail within a year of purchase will be replaced under warranty. Tubes that fail after a year will be replaced for a fixed fee of $89. The GM tube is fragile and physical damage to the entrance window is not covered by warranty. Tubes that are punctured will not be replaced under warranty. The user is responsible for determining the suitability of this product for his or her intended application.

The user assumes all risk and liability connected with such use. Vernier is not responsible for incidental or consequential damages arising from the use of this instrument.

Disposal

When disposing of this electronic product, do not treat it as household waste. Its disposal is subject to regulations that vary by country and region. This item should be given to an applicable collection point for the recycling of electrical and electronic equipment. By ensuring that this product is disposed of correctly, you help prevent potential negative consequences on human health or on the environment. The recycling of materials will help to conserve natural resources. For more detailed information about recycling this product, contact your local city office or your disposal service.

The symbol, shown here, indicates that this product must not be disposed of in a standard waste container.

Contact Support

Fill out our online support form or call us toll-free at 1-888-837-6437.

SAVE/SHARE YOUR CART