Sensitive, fast-responding passive electrostatic radon monitor

A second generation fast-responding passive radon detector using electrostatic concentration and enhanced readout electronics has been designed, built and tested. This detector utilizes the custom α-detecting IC called αRAM. In order to assess the response time, simulations were performed to analyze the turn-on transient of the detector. In an ambient with constant radon concentration, simulations indicate 1.44 hours will be required for the detector to reach 90% of its maximum count rate. This result is consistent with experimental findings using both first and second generation passive radon detectors.