[2508.12111] CosmicWatch: The Desktop Muon Detector(v3X)

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Physics > Instrumentation and Detectors

arXiv:2508.12111 (physics)

[Submitted on 16 Aug 2025 (v1), last revised 23 Oct 2025 (this version, v2)]

Title:CosmicWatch: The Desktop Muon Detector(v3X)

Authors:Spencer Axani, Masooma Sarfraz, Miles Garcia, Collin Owens, Katarzyna Frankiewicz, Janet M. Conrad<br>View a PDF of the paper titled CosmicWatch: The Desktop Muon Detector(v3X), by Spencer Axani and 5 other authors

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Abstract:The CosmicWatch Desktop Muon Detector (v3X) is a compact, low-cost, and portable device designed for detecting ionizing radiation, including cosmic-ray muons. Building on previous iterations, the v3X introduces significant hardware and firmware improvements that enhance sensitivity, usability, and data acquisition capabilities. The detector integrates a plastic scintillator and silicon photomultiplier (SiPM), custom designed electronics for signal processing, onboard data storage, OLED display, environmental sensors, and USB connectivity. With a total component cost under \$100 and a build time suitable for high school students, the v3X is ideal for education, outreach, and introductory research applications in particle and astroparticle physics. This paper details the design, performance, and potential use cases of the v3X, supported by example measurements demonstrating its functionality.

Subjects:

Instrumentation and Detectors (physics.ins-det)

Cite as:<br>arXiv:2508.12111 [physics.ins-det]

(or<br>arXiv:2508.12111v2 [physics.ins-det] for this version)

https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2508.12111

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arXiv-issued DOI via DataCite

Journal reference:<br>Journal of Instrumentation, Volume 20, October 2025

Related DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-0221/20/10/P10040

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DOI(s) linking to related resources

Submission history<br>From: Masooma Sarfraz [view email]<br>[v1]<br>Sat, 16 Aug 2025 17:32:22 UTC (5,119 KB)

[v2]<br>Thu, 23 Oct 2025 17:07:53 UTC (5,188 KB)

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