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[on:]

I want to install an x-ray detector linked to a GPS/GMS unit into a vehicle (e.g. commercial trailer), so I can monitor when and where the vehicle gets x-rayed.  The x-ray detector only needs to detect the presence of x-rays (no need for imaging, etc...).  Are there any good x-ray sensing components on the market that can be employed with Arduino (or without) to accomplish this job?

Thanks for the input!

[Reply #1 on:]

X-rays is gamma radiation ?
So a Geiger counter could detect it.

Or you could use a PIN diode:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PIN_diode
http://arduino.cc/forum/index.php?topic=119380.0
But I understood it is not easy to get a reliable measurements with a PIN diode.

Or search for: X-ray sensor.

[Reply #2 on:]

There is an article: http://www.elektor.com/magazines/2011/november/improved-radiation-meter.1971931.lynkx?tab=2
you may try to replicate with arduino, sensor is pin diode BPW34

[Reply #3 on:]

The BPW34 (or BPW34F) seems to be the only useable PIN Photo Diode for a normal price.
It is not very sensitive, it can't be used to detect the background radiation.

It is a photo diode, so you have to place it in the dark.

Some schematics:
http://www.vk2zay.net/article/265
http://www.dgkelectronics.com/a-radiation-detector-with-a-solid-state-pin-diode-sensor/
http://www.mikrocontroller.net/topic/216426

[Reply #4 on:]

What good comes out of X-raying a car, I would think the metal skin would either absorb or scatter all of the radiation leaving little to image with?

[Reply #5 on:]

It's a trailer.
May be scanned for illegal immigrants, drugs, munitions, or maybe to check it's speed

[Reply #6 on:]

X-rays is gamma radiation ?

No.

You'll need a scintillator, or something that fluoresces in X-ray.
Like diamond.

[Reply #7 on:]

Are you trying to smuggle illegal immigrants?
I am intrigued as to why you want to do this.

[Reply #8 on:]

Looks like he's mapping x-ray (speedgun?) locations.
If it were customs checks, they are likely to be fixed at known locations (ports) or at random, one-off locations.

[Reply #9 on:]

Looks like he's mapping x-ray (speedgun?) locations.

X-band != x-ray

[Reply #10 on:]

Geiger - Muller tube will detect x-rays.  Many designs for the low-current high voltage power supply can be found online.  Old Soviet G-M tubes can  be gotten at reasonable prices.

PIN photodiodes do not require high voltages but the extremely low current signal output makes them subject to noise pickup unless well shielded.

Scintillation crystal + photomultiplier detectors are the most linear, quite sensitive, and can be very efficient, but are more costly and also require high voltage.

Overall I would recommend the G-M tube approach.

[Reply #11 on:]

Overall I would recommend the G-M tube approach.

What is a Grumpy Mike tube then?

[Reply #12 on:]

Laughed so much I choked!