The Zener diode: generating gamma-ray statistics without the gamma rays
Tom Bensky · Physics Education · 2021
Abstract Here we demonstrate an inexpensive and straightforward electronic circuit that can be used to generate data in the form of counts, with the same statistical properties as those found in gamma-ray counting experiments. The circuit holds an avalanche Zener diode just below its Zener voltage, which allows for thermal electrons to traverse the in the Zener’s PN junction, causing sporadic conduction events lasting ∼10 ns. If counted in a manner similar to gamma-ray arrivals, we show the conduction events will follow identical statistical distributions as the gamma-rays.