[ RadSafe ] Detecting Alphas

[Syd H. Levine]

I was under the impression that normal G-M tubes, even thin window ones, 
could not detect alpha particles.  Given that alphas only travel a couple of 
inches through air and that a piece of paper stops them, this always seemed 
logical to me.  Now I am told G-M tubes detect alphas just fine, and I am 
thinking I must have lost my mind in remembering otherwise.

Can anybody shed light ion this subject?

Thanks.

Syd H. Levine
AnaLog Services, Inc.
Phone:  (270) 276-5671
Telefax:  (270) 276-5588
E-mail:  analog at logwell.com
Web URL:  www.logwell.com