A spinthariscope (Template:IPAc-en)<ref>Template:Cite Merriam-Webster</ref><ref>Template:Cite LPD</ref> is a device for observing individual nuclear disintegrations caused by the interaction of ionizing radiation with a phosphor (see radioluminescence) or scintillator.
InventionEdit
The spinthariscope was invented by William Crookes in 1903.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> While observing the apparently uniform fluorescence on a zinc sulfide screen created by the radioactive emissions (mostly alpha radiation) of a sample of radium bromide, he spilled some of the sample, and, owing to its extreme rarity and cost, he was eager to find and recover it.<ref name="Romer1960">Template:Cite book</ref> Upon inspecting the zinc sulfide screen under a microscope, he noticed separate flashes of light created by individual alpha particle collisions with the screen. Crookes took his discovery a step further and invented a device specifically intended to view these scintillations. It consisted of a small screen coated with zinc sulfide affixed to the end of a tube, with a tiny amount of radium salt suspended a short distance from the screen and a lens on the other end of the tube for viewing the screen. Crookes named his device from Template:Langx (Template:Transliteration) "spark".<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Crookes debuted the spinthariscope at a meeting of the Royal Society, London on 15 May 1903.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
Toy spinthariscopesEdit
Spinthariscopes were quickly replaced with more accurate and quantitative devices for measuring radiation in scientific experiments, but enjoyed a modest revival in the mid 20th century as children's educational toys.<ref name="Corporation2007">Template:Cite journal</ref> In 1947, Kix cereal offered a Lone Ranger atomic bomb ring that contained a small one, in exchange for a box top and US$0.15 (Template:Inflation).<ref>Reif, Rita. "ARTS/ARTIFACTS; Trivia Long Ago, Serious Treasures Now". The New York Times. 11 June 1995.</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Spinthariscopes can still be bought today as instructional novelties, but they now use americium or thorium. Looking into a properly focused toy spinthariscope, one can see many flashes of light spread randomly across the screen. Almost all are circular, with a very bright pinpoint centre surrounded by a dimmer circle of emission.Template:Citation needed
In museumsEdit
The American History Museum of the Smithsonian has several spinthariscopes in its collections, and an article discussing them.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> However, Template:As of none are currently on display.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
ReferencesEdit
External linksEdit
- Modern spinthariscope
- Elements of electricity: a practical discussion of the fundamental laws and ... by Robert Andrews Millikan, Edwin Sherwood Bishop, American Technical Society