"Zeuto" Alpha Meter from the Metallurgical Laboratory (1943-1946)

The Zeuto seems to have been the second survey instrument designed exclusively for measuring alpha contamination (the first was the "Pluto"). It was developed by Francis Shonka at the University of Chicago's Metallurgical Laboratory during World War II. "Zeuto" is a combination of the names "Zeus" (another survey instrument developed by Shonka) and "Pluto."

The identification towards the lower left of the photo reads "An Instrument Section Product, Metallurgical Laboratory, Univ. of Chicago." A calibration curve dated March 26, 1946 is taped on the left end of the instrument. It converts the unitless reading on the meter into disintegrations per minute.

The original description of the Zeuto is found in MDDC-117.

Chamber: 1" x 5" x 3", thin plastic window protected by wire screen on bottom (ca. 3" x 5")

Range: 0-5 (no units)

Size: 5.5" x 10.5" x 4.5"

Donated by Herbert Clark.