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From: CPS@cup.portal.com (CHRIS PATRIC SMOLINSKI)
Newsgroups: rec.radio.amateur.misc,sci.electronics
Subject: Re: How to measure/detect X-ray (cheap)?
Message-ID: <41631@cup.portal.com>
Date: 25 Apr 91 02:44:50 GMT
References: <1991Apr23.172122.13076@Informatik.TU-Muenchen.DE>
Distribution: usa
Organization: The Portal System (TM)
Lines: 12

The company I work for makes gauging equipment that uses X rays to measure
the thickness of materials (metals and non metals).  Typically, we use
X rays in the range of 20 to 160 kV (that is, the voltage on the tube is
from 20 kV to 160 kV), with a beam current of 1 to 4 milliamps.  

The detectors we use include ion chambers and various crystals (which emit
UV light that is detected by photomultiplier tubes).  I don't know of a 
cheaper detector.  But to calm you, at 20 kV, the radiation is typically
completely stopped by 1/16 of an inch of steel.  If your amp is mounted in
a metal box, you will be completely safe.

 - CHRIS