Characterization of silicon PIN diode based continuous radon monitoring system

The applicability of locally available Silicon PIN diode detector for Continuous Radon Monitor (CRM) is discussed in this paper. A detailed characterization of 20 mm x 20 mm detector system with 1l hemispherical measuring cell in active sampling mode is discussed. The radon monitor designed uses electrostatic collection method to deposit positively charged 222Rn progenies on the detector surface and apply alpha spectroscopy method. The electro static collection of charged progeny and hence the sensitivity of the system was examined for a wide range of voltages. The sensitivity of the system is observed to be 0.50 cph/Bq.m-3 at an operating voltage of 800V. (author)