The document discusses two particle detectors: the Wilson cloud chamber and the Geiger counter. The Wilson cloud chamber uses supersaturated vapors to make the paths of ionizing particles visible, allowing their properties to be examined. It consists of a closed cylinder with a glass top and movable piston, containing a low-boiling liquid. In the Geiger counter, a potential difference is applied between a metal cylinder and central wire. When ionizing particles enter, they produce ions along their track which cause a discharge, detecting the particle. Alpha particles produce a thick track while beta particles produce a thin broken one, and gamma rays produce scattered dots.