Prototipo de medición de partículas energéticas e interfaz de guía para el usuario

Abstract

In this learning project, the aim was to design, build, and calibrate a circuit capable of detecting ionizing radiation using Arduino and radioactive sources available at the Physics Laboratory of Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas. This project included developing a functional prototype, programming an interactive system, and creating a user guide. The designed system utilized detectors such as the Geiger-Müller tube and the BPW34 semiconductor. These sensors were integrated into a circuit that amplified very small signals, enabling their reading through Arduino. The circuit was calibrated using known sources like Cesium-137 and Radium-226, with results presented in radioprotection units such as μSv/h. The project also explored the effectiveness of the BPW34 in detecting gamma rays and X-rays, though it was noted that silicon semiconductors face limitations with such high-energy particles. Experimentally, measurements were taken for X-rays and gamma rays, evaluating the sensitivity of the detectors and establishing calibration factors to convert counts into equivalent dose rates. The Arduino interface allowed real-time visualization of the collected data, facilitating analysis. The results showed that increasing measurement time reduces errors, highlighting the importance of temporal stability in detection systems. The thesis concluded that the prototype serves as a solid foundation for future projects, encouraging improvements in both hardware and software and promoting hands-on learning in radioprotection and electronics