COMMERCIAL VOLTAGE INDICATOR AS A GAMMA RADIATION DETECTOR

Abstract The paper analyses the possibility of commercial neon indicator lamp at low pressure application as a gamma radiation detector. The diode is most often used as an indicator in electrical switchers. The analysis was performed on the basis of experimental electrical breakdown time delay data as a function of relaxation time, applied voltage and gamma ray air kerma rate. It has been shown that the indicator can be used as a detector for relaxation time greater than 70 ms. During this time period, a complete recombination/de-excitation of the particles formed during previous breakdown and subsequent self-sustaining discharge, which can further initiate next breakdown, takes place. It was also shown that gamma radiation leads to a significant reduction in electrical breakdown time delay for applied voltages close to indicator breakdown voltage. Based on the behavior of the dependence of the mean value of the electrical breakdown time delay on the gamma ray air kerma rate, it was shown that the indicator can be used very efficiently as a detector up to air kerma rate of $\textsf{2.3}\cdot \textsf{10}^{-\textsf{5}}$ Gy/h, when the electrical breakdown time delay is measured for applied voltage 10% higher than the breakdown voltage.