CosmicWatch is a simple, low-cost, physics-motivated project for everyone.
The detector is a self-contained apparatus that employs plastic scintillator as a detection medium and a silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) for light collection. The signal from the SiPM is sent through a custom designed printed circuit board (PCB) which shapes the signal such that a micro-controller can measure the time and amplitude of the SiPM signal. We use an Arduino Nano to measure the pulse amplitude and record the count number, time of the event, pulse amplitude, and detector dead time.
CosmicWatch detector can be powered through mini USB and, in conjunction with the available open-source software, can be used to make interesting physics measurements, e.g. detect cosmic ray muons. It is easy to assemble, so one may gain experience in electronics and hardware related skills like soldering, mounting electronic components, designing PCBs, using oscilloscopes, waveform generators, and multimeters. The data gathered from the detector may serve as an input for anyone who wants to learn about basic techniques in data analysis, statistics, programming, and data visualization. The detector can be used for scientific purposes and educational outreach.
The project has already gained attention on websites such as Physics Today, Symmetry Magazine, Endgadget, MIT news, MSN, Reddit, and many more. We've produced over two hundred detectors and have distributed internationally, mainly to high-school and undergraduate students. These include students from the United States, Poland, Germany, Canada, Peru, Germany, United Kingdom, and India.
