MiniPIX EDU

RTG

Introduction

MiniPIX EDU is a compact ionising radiation detector designed specifically for educational and academic applications. The system enables direct visualisation of radiation particles and analysis of their interaction with matter in real time, making it a unique educational tool for technical universities and research institutes.

The device is a miniature radiation camera based on a Timepix detector and allows both the counting of individual particles and the tracking of their trajectories.

Why is MiniPIX EDU a breakthrough for academic education?

Modern teaching of physics and nuclear technology requires not only theory, but also practical contact with measuring equipment. MiniPIX EDU allows students to:

observe radiation naturally present in the environment,
analyse the radiation of everyday materials,
study the variability of radiation in the air,
detect cosmic radiation and determine the direction of particle trajectories,
test the shielding of materials,
verify the laws of radioactive decay.

This enables students to move from abstract mathematical models to direct observation of physical phenomena.

Application in technical university departments

Physics and nuclear physics

The system enables the visualisation of radiation interactions with matter and the analysis of characteristic particle tracks.

Materials engineering

Students can investigate the effect of materials on radiation attenuation and analyse their shielding properties.

Fields related to nuclear energy

MiniPIX EDU is a practical tool for learning detection methods, radiation monitoring and the basics of dosimetry.

Electronics and measuring equipment

The device allows you to learn how to work with semiconductor detectors and analyse measurement signals.

Advacam Edukit PL

Real experiments – not simulations

The system enables laboratory classes to be conducted with real particle measurements. Students can distinguish between different types of radiation based on the shape of their trajectories:

cosmic muons → long lines,
alpha particles → concentrated high-energy tracks,
beta electrons → zigzag tracks,
gamma radiation → single points of energy.

Such visualisations significantly increase our understanding of particle interaction physics

Educational kit – a complete laboratory in one configuration

The available ADVACAM Education Kit expands the system’s capabilities by providing all the components needed to conduct educational experiments. The kit may include, among other things:

MiniPIX EDU detector,
Pixet Basic software,
detector and source holders,
collimator,
fasteners,
set of material plates (Al, Cu, steel, brass, Pb),
USB cable.

The technology used in the system is based on solutions employed in scientific research and space missions — detectors of this family are used, among others, on the International Space Station to monitor radiation.

Technical specifications

Detector

readout system: Timepix
sensor resolution: 256 × 256 px
Pixel size: 55 µm
Sensor material: silicon 300 µm or 500 µm
Dynamic range: 11,810 events per fram
No dark current

Operating parameters

Maximum frame rate: 45 fps
Temperature range: 0–55 °C

Construction

dimensions: 88.9 × 21 × 10 mm
weight: 30 g
interface: USB 2.0

Software

PIXet Basic – detector configuration, visualisation and data analysis

Timepix technology – learning with research equipment

MiniPIX EDU uses a pixel-based energy-sensitive detector that adds a new dimension to radiation imaging, enabling the analysis of particle deposition energy.

This technology belongs to the same class of detectors used in:

particle physics experiments,
space research,
radiation monitoring,
scientific imaging systems.

Teaching software

Each system includes PIXet Basic software, which enables:

detector configuration,
visualisation of individual particles,
analysis of measurement data.

The programme also allows particles to be recognised based on their tracks — e.g. alpha particles as large dots, beta particles as zigzag paths, and gamma particles as small dots.

Why is this solution particularly important today?

The development of nuclear and radiation technologies in Europe and planned investments in nuclear energy are creating a growing demand for specialists with real experimental skills.

MiniPIX EDU enables universities to:

develop students’ practical skills,
modernise teaching laboratories,
increase the attractiveness of technical fields of study,
prepare staff for work in the energy, medical and research sectors.

Summary

MiniPIX EDU is an advanced educational system that enables the visualisation of ionising radiation, particle track analysis and the conduct of real-life physics experiments.

Thanks to its compact design, professional detection technology and intuitive software, it is one of the most effective teaching tools for teaching radiation physics at an academic level.