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I have[/size] a Ludlum 3030P alpha beta counter. This [/size]has windows set from 70 - 700 mV and 1000 - 4000 mV but i only use it to measure Alpha smears. This instrument comes optional with detector[/size] shielding which reduces background betas. Since I'm not measuring betas does it matter that I don't have the shielding?[/size]I know that there is some beta to alpha crosstalk but would allowing this backgroundbeta in significantly impact my alpha counts?

which detector?


43-10-1 or something else?

That should be correct. This is the current one formerly called a 2929

Quote from: bigjoemonger on Jan 14, 2018, 10:20I have a Ludlum 3030P alpha beta counter.

Quote from: GLW on Jan 14, 2018, 11:14
which detector? 43-10-1 or something else?

Quote from: bsdnuke on Jan 14, 2018, 12:30That should be correct. This is the current one formerly called a 2929

The 3030P has a solid state detector build in.

Alpha to Beta Crosstalk  < 5%
Beta to Alpha Crosstalk  < 0.1%
http://ludlums.com/products/all-products/product/model-3030p (http://ludlums.com/products/all-products/product/model-3030p)

There is <0.1% beta to alpha cross talk.  Less beta's WILL mean less cross talk.  But at <0.1%, do you care?  Personally, I would add the shielding if it doesn't cost much.  Because I'm American, and more (precision) is better. If it costs anything significant, I don't think I could justify a fraction of 0.1% improvement. How many sigma's are we looking for, anyways?


A 2929 is a Scaler (meter).  A 43-10-1 is a detector.  A 43-10-1 detects the radiation, and sends a pulse to the 2929 that measures the pulse.  A 2929 doesn't HAVE to be paired with a 43-10-1, but almost always is. (Not directed at you GLW)
http://ludlums.com/products/all-products/product/model-2929-with-43-10-1 (http://ludlums.com/products/all-products/product/model-2929-with-43-10-1)

The 3030E replaced the 2929, with an external 43-10-1.
http://ludlums.com/products/all-products/product/model-3030e-with-43-10-1

It has:
Alpha to beta cross talk: 10% or less
Beta to alpha cross talk: 1% or less

A 3030 (no E no P, just "3030") has the detector built into the meter, like the 3030P:
http://ludlums.com/products/all-products/product/model-3030 (http://ludlums.com/products/all-products/product/model-3030)
The Model 3030 Scaler incorporates an internally housed ZnS(Ag) plastic scintillator detector (like the 43-10-1, but internal) with shielded stainless steel sample tray.

It also has:
Alpha to beta cross talk: 10% or less
Beta to alpha cross talk: 1% or less

Quote from: Rennhack on Jan 14, 2018, 11:53

(Not directed at you GLW)

It's okay, I focused on "optional shielding" and not on 3030"P",...

details count,...

wail, the shielding package is two be used too reduce beta bkg. that sayed, it's probly most relevant to the level of alpha contamination bean measured, bee caws a 20% reduction in beta bkg mite have a grater data impact on negligible alpha contamination than the same bkg reduction when measuring thousands of alpha dpm.

Quote from: SloGlo on Jan 15, 2018, 05:38
wail, the shielding package is two be used too reduce beta bkg. that sayed, it's probly most relevant to the level of alpha contamination bean measured, bee caws a 20% reduction in beta bkg mite have a grater data impact on negligible alpha contamination than the same bkg reduction when measuring thousands of alpha dpm.

Agreed, as proving the negative is, at times, challenging.