Abstract: A method of detecting alpha particles may include providing a layer of a scintillating slurry comprising a granular scintillating material in water onto a measurement surface of a sample; positioning the sample having the scintillating slurry within a detection chamber of detection apparatus; detecting photons produced by the granular scintillating material in the scintillating slurry when the granular scintillating material is excited by ionizing alpha radiation emitted by alpha particles within the sample using a photon detector and generating a corresponding output signal; and removing the sample and the scintillating slurry from the detection chamber.

Abstract: An exhaust hood apparatus, adapted to be mounted over a cooking station for expelling air containing cooking by-products, is described herein. The exhaust hood apparatus includes a controller circuit electrically connected to at least a temperature sensor, an exhaust fan and a plenum chamber washing system. The controller circuit is configured so as to energize the exhaust fan and the washing system if the temperature sensor detects a temperature that is above a predetermined threshold, indicating an uncontrolled fire in progress. A portion of the water exiting the washing system is therefore drawn in the exhaust duct by the exhaust fan to thereby cool the exhaust duct and maintain it below a predetermined safety temperature. Furthermore, the exhaust fan also draws at least some of the smoke generated by the uncontrolled fire.