Geiger-Müller Counters
These have been widely used and are versatile in their applications. The potential difference between the electrodes in the Geiger-Müller tube (similar to an ionization chamber) is high. A single alpha or beta particle ionizes some of the gas within the chamber. In turn these ions strike other gas molecules producing secondary ionization. The result is an “avalanche” or high-intensity pulse of electricity passing between the electrodes. These pulses can be counted electrically and recorded on a meter at rates up to several thousand per minute.