Similar in construction to our Spinthariscope, the Alpha Radioscope contains no radioactive material.
Instead, the back end of the device is essentially open (covered with a metal screen). Behind this screen is an activated Zinc Sulfide (ZnS) window.  The ZnS is specially prepared ( we activate it with Silver and then quench it with Copper salts at over 1500 degrees F ). This time consuming procedure makes the ZnS very sensitive to Alpha radiation. When any material that emits Alpha radiation is placed on the screen, scintillations ( flashes of light ) can be seen through the viewer. The more radioactive the sample is, the more scintillations will be visible.

- Now you can "see" Alpha radiation -

The Radioscope requires no batteries or power of any type, and will continue to function essentially forever.
Like our Spinthariscope, the Radioscope is a quality instrument. Fabricated from a cast aluminum internal frame, high-impact plastic and steel, it will last a lifetime. The focus on the unit is adjustable.
Please Note: The image above is for illustration purposes only. The Radioscope cannot be used in a brightly lit room and the sample under test must be in direct contact with the screen. This is necessary because Alpha particles only travel a little over an inch in air... and because of the low light levels involved from the scintillations, the Radioscope must be used in total darkness. The rate & amount of flashes seen from a typical sample of Uranium ore is very low due to the minimal amount Alpha radiation emission.
To see some real dramatic activity in the Radioscope, hold a Polonium-210 Alpha Source against the Radioscope screen for an impressive light show.