This article builds on our previous post, Improved Alpha Spectroscopy with Red Pitaya, which covers the detector, electronics, and acquisition system in detail. Alpha spectroscopy is one of the most precise methods for identifying radioactive isotopes and measuring the energy of the alpha particles they emit.
This project—designed and carried out by Lappetito Lodovico—demonstrates how a Red Pitaya STEMlab board, combined with open-source software, can deliver laboratory-grade alpha spectroscopy on a compact, budget-friendly platform.
Alpha spectroscopy enables researchers to distinguish isotopes such as uranium-238, thorium-232, radium-226, and polonium-210 by their unique energy signatures.
Capturing those signatures accurately is essential for applications in nuclear science, environmental monitoring, and educational labs.
At the heart of the experiment is a Red Pitaya STEMlab board running a high-speed analog-to-digital converter.
Key components include:
This combination provides fast signal acquisition, FPGA-level processing, and an open architecture that researchers can adapt for different detection setups.
For accurate alpha spectroscopy, sample preparation is critical.
Thick samples cause self-absorption, where alpha particles lose energy before escaping the source.
To reduce this effect, the team produced ultra-thin radioactive layers using chemical deposition techniques on metal substrates.
Sources included trace amounts of uranium, thorium, radium, and polonium.
Signals from the detector were routed to the Red Pitaya, digitized in real time, and processed by the MCA application.
The resulting spectra were analyzed with ROOT to identify distinct alpha peaks and calculate energy resolution with remarkable precision, even for low-activity sources.
What is alpha spectroscopy?
Alpha spectroscopy is a technique for measuring the energy of alpha particles emitted by radioactive isotopes, enabling identification of specific elements such as uranium or radium.
Why use Red Pitaya for nuclear measurements?
Red Pitaya’s STEMlab boards combine high-speed data acquisition with FPGA processing, allowing researchers to build a customizable, cost-effective spectrometer.
Do I need specialized software?
Yes. This project used the Multi-Channel Analyzer (MCA) application by Pavel Demin for real-time acquisition and the ROOT framework from CERN for detailed data analysis.
Is Red Pitaya safe for handling radioactive samples?
The board itself poses no radiation risk. However, users must follow all relevant safety protocols when working with radioactive materials.
Can this setup be used in education?
Absolutely. The affordability and portability of Red Pitaya make it ideal for university labs and training programs in nuclear physics or environmental science.