Open Gamma Detector
Open-source hardware for a DIY gamma-ray spectrometer using a NaI(Tl) scintillator, SiPM, and Raspberry Pi Pico 2.
What is Open Gamma Detector?
Open Gamma Detector is an open-source hardware project for building a DIY gamma-ray spectrometer. It uses a NaI(Tl) scintillation crystal and a silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) coupled with a Raspberry Pi Pico 2 microcontroller to detect and analyze gamma radiation. The device provides both scintillation counting and multichannel analyzer (MCA) functions, enabling users to record energy spectra of radioactive samples affordably.
Hobbyists, educators, researchers, and citizen scientists interested in radiation detection, environmental monitoring, or physics education who want an accessible, low-cost alternative to commercial gamma spectrometers.
It offers a complete, self-contained spectrometer design with open hardware files and firmware, significantly reducing cost (≈200 USD in parts) while maintaining hackability and integration flexibility via standard serial interfaces. Unlike proprietary systems, it encourages modification and community-driven improvements.
Overview
☢️👁️ Hardware for a hackable DIY gamma-ray spectrometer using a popular NaI(Tl) scintillator, SiPM and a Raspberry Pi Pico.
Use Cases
Best For
- Educational demonstrations of gamma spectroscopy in classrooms or workshops
Related Projects
Found a gem we're missing?
Open-Awesome is built by the community, for the community. Submit a project, suggest an awesome list, or help improve the catalog on GitHub.
