A Low-Cost, Solder-Free, Breadboard-Based System for Hands-On Nuclear and Particle Detection Education

The ability to perform hands-on experimentation with nuclear and particle detection is crucial for inspiring and training the next generation of physicists, yet the high cost and complexity of traditional systems often create a significant barrier to access for undergraduate and high school educational laboratories. We present a novel, highly accessible radiation detector system, the pico project, specifically designed as a comprehensive pedagogical tool.

The system's central innovation is its "plug-and-play" architecture, utilizing standard breadboards to build the entire detector chain without any soldering. This low-barrier, Lego-like approach uses commonly available, low-cost components, enabling students to rapidly assemble and troubleshoot their own functional detector, allowing them to focus on the underlying physics rather than complex instrumentation skills.

The system provides a holistic learning experience, covering the entire radiation detection signal chain: from the interaction of radiation in the scintillation material and photo-detectors (SiPM) to signal conditioning electronics (amplifiers, discriminators) and spectroscopy analysis using digital interfaces. This integrated design allows students to gain a complete, functional understanding of how a physical measurement is converted into digital data suitable for energy spectrum analysis and counting experiments. The simplicity and affordability of the pico system enable widespread adoption, making advanced detection physics accessible for broad STEM education.