An automatic radon probe for earth science studies

A field instrument designed for continuous radon measurement is described. It is based on a solid state electronic sensor that is housed in a rugged casing that also contains its associated electronics. This lightweight device is designed for selective counting of Rn-222 alpha-decays with recorded count values over specified intervals being stored within the device. Real time data processing to reject spurious values is automatically performed by the instrument. Data are downloaded by means of a handheld or a laptop computer. The energy provided by alkaline batteries ensures 2 months of continuous recording in the field. Example of radon anomalies are exhibited. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.