conference logo

Playlist "Antiparticles and Geiger counters"

Antiparticles and Geiger counters

Chris Taylor

Geiger counters are interesting and surprisingly useful devices, and you can build one for less than the price of a video game. They can monitor background radiation levels, check household items such as smoke alarms and gas mantles, and provide information about medical treatments. I designed and built my own unit having been diagnosed with cancer in 2017, and it has provided some fascinating insights.

This talk describes the design and construction of a simple Geiger counter with an OLED display and a recording facility, and illustrates some of the science behind medical procedures involving radiation, such as PET scans (Positron Emission Tomography) and radiotherapy.