Hans Geiger (1882-1945) worked closely with Ernest Rutherford (1871-1935) to develop radiation measuring devices. In this early example a low pressure gas is held in a copper cylinder fitted with a handle. An electrical current is then applied between the copper casing and a thin wire running along its centre. The particle entering the cylinder causes a burst of electric current which is registered on a counter. This particular Geiger counter was used by James Chadwick, the discoverer of the neutron.

Picture Reference: 10313942
Subject: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY > Atomic & Nuclear Physics > Atomic & Nuclear Research, 1897-1939
Inventory No.: 1982-1707
Credit: Science Museum

Keywords: 1897-1939, 1930s, 1900s, 20th Century, Atomic Science, Atomics, Chadwick, Chadwick, James, Counters, Europe, Geiger, Geiger Counters, Geiger, Hans, Germany, James, Measurement, Nuclear, Radiation, Radiation Measurement, Radioactivity, Research, Science

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