Electret production and dosimetry with alpha-particles

A very convenient method was obtained for electretcharging using alpha-particles from an Am 2 41 source with simultaneous application of an electric potential (100 to 1000 V). This is similar to charging with X or gamma rays as previously reported (1, 2). With the use of tiny sources (from smoke detectors for ex.) a rechargeable and portable electret dosemeter can be built. Alpha particle dosimetry can also be obtained with the measurements either of charging or discharging of the electret.