Exploring the Sensitivity of MiniPix Devices to the Detection of a Variety of Particles

Abstract

The MiniPix EDU devices by ADVACAM have been used to study electrons, muons and alpha particles from both thoriated tungsten rods and natural sources. The natural radiation experiments looked at muons, focusing on the determination of muon count as a function of detector altitude and inclination with respect to the horizon. This included taking readings at ground level compared to those atop a building, and the floors in between, and rotating the detector face a certain angle to find the optimal angle to detect muons. The experiments involving a radiation source looked at alpha and beta decay. This included using the detector’s measurement of kinetic energy to explore the relativistic nature of electrons produced via beta decay, and the decay characteristics of alpha radiation. The material attenuation of alpha particles has also been explored. Insights from these experiments provide data on the capabilities of the detector. Through these experiments, particle behaviour and interactions unfold, shedding light on fundamental scientific principles. The project's experiments and results have been simplified to cater to secondary school education, specifically GCSE-level students. The experiments are designed to be performed within a school setting, helping students to understand these fundamental scientific principles of physics.