What does EIC stand for in radon measurement?

The term EIC in radon measurement stands for Electret Ion Chamber. This device is widely used in radon testing due to its ability to detect and measure radon gas levels effectively. The Electret Ion Chamber operates based on the principle of ionization, where radon decay products ionize the air within the chamber, thus generating a measurable charge.

The electret, a type of capacitor that holds a static electric charge, serves as the sensing element in this device. When radon gas enters the chamber and decays, it produces alpha particles that ionize the air, resulting in the production of positive ions and free electrons. This ionization leads to a reduction in the charge of the electret over time, which can be monitored to calculate the concentration of radon in the environment.

Utilizing an Electret Ion Chamber is advantageous because it provides a passive measurement method that does not require continuous power and can maintain stability over long measurement periods. This feature makes it suitable for various field applications in radon measurement, contributing to accurate and reliable results.