Eletrolytical deposition of copper on constantan wire for constructing radiation sensors

Abstract

The objective of this work was to develop a method for eletrolytical deposition of copper on constantan wire as a means for constructing radiation sensors based on the termocouple technique. Gage 40 AWG constantan wire was wounded around a 7.8 x 2.6 x 0.2 cm glass fiber plate. Good quality deposition occurred when the electrolyte was formed by 250 g/L of copper sulfate mixed with 50 g/L of sulfuric acid together with a direct current of 0.4 A.dm^-2. Previous eletrolytical cleaning was shown to have a strong influence on the final quality. In view of the results obtained, the technique can be recommended for the construction of thermocouple-based radiation sensors.