Victoreen CDV-720 Model 3A (M J Rhoades)

The theory and operation of an ion chamber detector

The hand held beta-gamma meter model CDV-720 model 3A ion chamber survey meter. For
organization of this discussion I will first discuss the theory behind the operation of this type
instrument followed by its operation including scales, circuit description, and schematic, and
finally the other items listed. The theory of operation for the ion chamber instrument is simply
that particles produced by ionizing radiation (ion pairs) can be attracted to oppositely charge
plates, thus generating an electrical current which can be used to approximate the amount of beta
or gamma radiation being received.

Radiation interacts with matter in various ways, depending on the energy and type of
radiation being counted. For my instrument only gammas and betas will be considered. Beta
radiation is a direct ionizing type of radiation. This means that it directly interacts with matter
because it has a "-1" charge and creates ion pairs as it passes through material by stripping away
orbital electrons. Gamma radiation is an indirect ionizing radiation; It has no charge, and
therefore must interact with atoms first before producing a direct ionizing type. A gamma does
this in three major ways. The first is called the photoelectric effect. This occurs when the
incoming gamma or x-ray strikes an orbital electron giving all of its energy to the electron. The
electron now, with more energy than its binding energy, is ejected from the atom producing ion
pairs. The second way a gamma or x-ray can create ion pairs is called compton scattering. In this
reaction, the gamma hits an orbital electron with higher energy, and because its energy is much
greater than that of the binding energy for the electron, the gamma moves on at lower energy, but
the electron is ejected thus creating ion pairs. The last interaction is called pair production. In this
type of reaction a high energy gamma (greater than 1.02 MeV) comes close to an atom's nucleus
and spontaneously transforms into a beta particle (electron) and a positron. These particles then
go on to create ion pairs directly.

Now if these ion pairs are produced in the electric field in my ion chamber meter, the
following will occur: Look at the simplified drawing below;

+ + high voltage supply

- -
Ion Pairs
+ +
Ionizing radiation

-
 This drawing above illustrates what happens as the radiation passes through the meter. Ion
pairs are produced as previously described. The negative ions are attracted to the positive plate,
and the positive ions are attracted to the negative plate. This sets up an electric current which can
be amplified to drive the meter. Look at the drawing below to see where this meter operates in
plate voltage as compared to other detector types. The ion chamber operates in the lowest voltage
region of detection with a voltage just high enough to prevent recombination of the ion pairs.
This means that for every event there is a reading for that event and no gas amplification of the
signal occurs.

Now look at the drawing on the next page. This drawing illustrates the relative response of the
ion chamber to the energy of the incident gamma radiation as compared to the other types of
detectors. The ion chamber has a good, fairly flat response curve for energies over .5 MeV. This is
important as far as getting good stable readings even as the energy of the gamma changes. My
meter was intended for use as a civil defense instrument in case of nuclear war, or other nuclear
events. This performance feature would make this meter a logical choice.
 Next I want to discuss the operation of the meter and give the electrical schematic for this
unit. The circuit diagram was glued inside the metal housing but I was able to remove it without
any damage. The arrows point to the items being described for the major components.

Ion chamber
air filled type

Amplifier tube

Meter, 0-5 (indication)

ranges 0-5, 0-50, 0-500

Multi sandwich
switch for calibration,
ranges, and zero
adjust

Calibration resisters for

Oscillator transistor for
generation of AC signal
each range
2 D cell
Step up transformer and AC rectifier
batteries
circuit. supplies high voltage for amp
tube and ion chamber
The actual operation of the meter is as follows: First, make sure that fresh batteries are installed.
Place the multi switch in the circuit check position; make sure the instrument reads within the
circuit check scale on the meter. Select the zero position on the switch, and using the zero control
knob, adjust for a zero reading. The meter is then calibrated and ready for use. I have not
discussed the operation of the beta portion of this meter. This is because it is not very accurate
reading beta, because of their poor penetrating ability and low energy. If you do wish to take a
beta reading using this meter you must position the metal movable plate on the bottom of the
instrument to the open position. This will give you a reading of both beta and gamma. Then close
the window and take the same area reading. Subtract the closed plate reading from the open plate
reading and the result will be the beta reading.

Failure modes on this unit would be:

Low battery Unit will not pass the circuit check or no reading at all.

Loss of high voltage transformer Erratic reading or no reading

loss of oscillator No reading, will not pass circuit check

Safety precautions, I would say that the batteries should be removed prior to touching any
circuit wiring or taking ohm readings during trouble shooting. If the unit becomes contaminated
during use, follow appropriate radiological control procedures. But, as I stated earlier, the
primary use for this instrument is nuclear war or a radiological accident so contamination might
be an afterthought.

References:

Martin and Harbison, 5th edition, An introduction to radiation protection

CD- V-720 Ion chamber survey meter (ca. 1956-1962) orau.org/ptp/collection/.../cdv720.htm

www.nukworker.com/...radiation.../rp3_detection_and_instumentation.pdf