A versatile, PC-based gamma ray monitor

This paper describes a new computer-based gamma ray monitor for laboratory and field measurements. The monitor consists of a universal peripheral device, and GM counter gamma ray probe, connected via USB to the PC. The peripheral device is generic; in addition to the GM probe, it accepts sensors for spectrometric measurements as well as sensors for the measurement of other environmental parameters. Owing to its low-power consumption, it is used with laptop or palmtop computer, as a portable field measurement instrument. The proposed solution has advantages over conventional instrument: (1) open architecture; (2) user-defined functions and (3) easy network connection.