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iation Safety Officer Course Module 1.7 – Radiation Detection and Measurement
OVERVIEW
To control radiological hazards in the workplace and in the general
environment, it is necessary to be able to detect and measure the amount of
ionizing radiation present. As we cannot detect ionizing radiation with any of
our body senses, we must use the ability of this radiation to interact with
various materials as a way of detecting and measuring it. This module
discusses these various interactions and introduces the main physical
principles used to detect ionizing radiation. It also discusses some of the
detection systems commonly used in the workplace.
An understanding of how the different types of detectors work will also assist
you in your choice of detector and its method of use. Hence, this module
provides the background information necessary to understand the later
module, Module 2.4 Use of Radiation Monitoring Instrumentation. It is
therefore important that you understand the information in this module before
continuing with the course.
There is one practical activity associated with this module. You will find the
relevant information in your workbook. Remember that this practical activity
must be completed before you can gain full credit for this course. You should
therefore make sure that you arrange a suitable time with your supervisor for
doing this practical work.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
When you have completed this module you will be able to do the following:
1) Describe the six basic methods of radiation detection.
2) State the basic operating principle of gas-filled detectors.
3) List the three main types of gas-filled detectors and describe their
operation.
4) Explain the terms resolving time, response time and dead time in relation
to gas-filled detectors.
5) State the basic operating principle of solid state conductivity detectors.
6) State the basic operating principle of scintillation detectors.
7) Describe the function of a photomultiplier tube.
8) State the basic operating principles of neutron detectors.
9) State the advantages and disadvantages of each type of radiation
detector.
10) Select the types of detectors most suitable for the detection of the
different types of radiation.
King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre – Biomedical Physics Department Page 1
OVERVIEW
To control radiological hazards in the workplace and in the general
environment, it is necessary to be able to detect and measure the amount of
ionizing radiation present. As we cannot detect ionizing radiation with any of
our body senses, we must use the ability of this radiation to interact with
various materials as a way of detecting and measuring it. This module
discusses these various interactions and introduces the main physical
principles used to detect ionizing radiation. It also discusses some of the
detection systems commonly used in the workplace.
An understanding of how the different types of detectors work will also assist
you in your choice of detector and its method of use. Hence, this module
provides the background information necessary to understand the later
module, Module 2.4 Use of Radiation Monitoring Instrumentation. It is
therefore important that you understand the information in this module before
continuing with the course.
There is one practical activity associated with this module. You will find the
relevant information in your workbook. Remember that this practical activity
must be completed before you can gain full credit for this course. You should
therefore make sure that you arrange a suitable time with your supervisor for
doing this practical work.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
When you have completed this module you will be able to do the following:
1) Describe the six basic methods of radiation detection.
2) State the basic operating principle of gas-filled detectors.
3) List the three main types of gas-filled detectors and describe their
operation.
4) Explain the terms resolving time, response time and dead time in relation
to gas-filled detectors.
5) State the basic operating principle of solid state conductivity detectors.
6) State the basic operating principle of scintillation detectors.
7) Describe the function of a photomultiplier tube.
8) State the basic operating principles of neutron detectors.
9) State the advantages and disadvantages of each type of radiation
detector.
10) Select the types of detectors most suitable for the detection of the
different types of radiation.
King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre – Biomedical Physics Department Page 1
