αRAM: An α particle detecting MOS IC for radon monitoring

Abstract

A custom integrated circuit (ldquoalphaRAMrdquo) capable of detecting the alpha particles emitted in the decay of radon and its progeny has been designed, fabricated and successfully tested. The alphaRAM has been incorporated in a complete radon monitor using electrostatic concentration of radon progeny. The monitor can detect hazardous levels of radon within hours.