3 Radiation Detection

Radiation Detection
Cheri Anne M. Dingle

Atomic Research Division
Philippine Nuclear Research Institute
cadmanzano@pnri.dost.gov.ph
Learning Objectives
 Identify different types of radiation detectors most commonly
used in the field
 Discuss basic working principles, capabilities and limitations of

these detectors
 Identify what these detectors can detect
 Be able to choose appropriate instrument to be used in an

activity/workplace
Content
 Factors Affecting Radiation Detection
 Classification of Radiation Detectors
 General Types and Detection Mechanisms of Radiation
Detectors
 Parts of a Standard Nuclear Instrumentation Chain
Humans cannot sense presence of radiation . . .
• We rely on the detection of changes
produced by radiation when it
interacts with matter
• Radiation instruments are used to

detect and measure presence of
radiation
• Take necessary steps to avoid or

reduce exposure
 Basis of Detection
 Properties of Detectors

Basic Radiation Detector 

Factors Affecting Detection
Classification of Detectors
Types of Detectors
Detection systems are based on . . .

• Ionization in gases
https://www.env.go.jp/en/chemi/rhm/basic-info/1st/02-04-02.html

• Ionization and Excitation in certain solids
https://www.env.go.jp/en/chemi/rhm/basic-info/1st/02-04-02.html

• Changes in chemical systems


• Changes in chemical systems
• Activation by neutrons
Detection systems . . .
• The primary ionization must be preserved and not be lost to
recombination or scavenging by electronegative atoms.
• The created ions must be mobile so that they can be collected.
• The small electrical signals must be amplified to be observed.
Nuclear instrumentation plays an important role in detection.
General Properties of Radiation Detectors

• Energy Resolution
Suppose I have a multi-nuclide source with three nuclides of different energies, will the
detector distinguish the energies, and thus the nuclide?
• Detector Efficiency
If there are 100 gamma photons incident on the detector, how many will be detected?
• Sensitivity
Can it detect all radiation types? What type of radiation can it detect?
• Resolving time
How high a counting rate will be measured by the detector without error or less
dead time? The dead time is the time after each event wherein a detection counting
system could not yet process and record another event.
What is the minimum amount of time to separate two events and register two
separate pulses?
QUESTION # 1
True or False?
Radiation detection systems rely on the

detection of changes produced by radiation
when it interacts with matter. Most detection is
based on the ionization and excitation in gas and
in some solids, in chemical changes in the system
and neutron activation.
QUESTION # 2
True or False?
Detector Efficiency is the capability of the

detector to accurately determine the energy of
the incoming radiation thus, is able to
discriminate the radiation energies.
 Factors Affecting Detection
Factors Affecting Radiation Detection
Type of incident radiation
Intensity of radiation
Energy of radiation
Dose, Dose Rate, Spectroscopy, Intensity or Contamination
measurement

 Type of incident radiation
α, β particles may not penetrate the
detector window
neutrons interact with the nucleus of the
target (detector material) - the higher the
cross-section, the higher the chance that
an interaction will occur.
photons have high penetrating power

 Intensity of radiation
High intensity fields may cause severe dead time losses and cause inaccuracy in the
measurement

 Energy of radiation
 Classification of Detectors
 Dose, Dose rate, Spectroscopy and Contamination measurement
o Intensity measurements
o e.g. surface radioactivity, contamination measurements
o Counters
o Units: cps, cpm, counts
o Dose measurements
o Net amount of energy deposited
o Total current or charges generated
o Dosimeters, dose rate meters
o Units: Sv, Sv/hr, Gy
 Classification of Detectors
 Dose, Dose rate, Spectroscopy and Contamination measurement
o Energy spectrum (spectroscopy) measurements
o Gives information on pulse heights and occurrences
o Number & energy of interactions
o Spectrometers
o Unit: keV
QUESTION # 3
What are the factors affecting radiation
detection?
o Energy of the incident radiation

o Intensity of radiation
o Type of radiation
o Output signal of incident radiation
o Classification of use
QUESTION # 4
The following statements describe the classifications of
radiation detectors according to use. Which of the
following statements is TRUE? Select all possible answers.
o Survey meters and counters are used to measure the intensity of radiation
and surface contamination in units of counts per second or cps.
o Dosimeters are used to measure the net energy deposited and total
current/charges generated in a material in units of mSv, Gy, mSv/hr
o Spectrometers give the energy or pulse height distribution and the
corresponding occurrences of incident radiation
Types of Radiation Detectors
Principle of Radiation Measurement
Types of Radiation Charge Particle Photon Neutron

(α-ray, β-ray) (γ-ray, X-ray)
Radiation Proton, α-ray, fission

Interactions Secondary Electron products, etc
Gas Filled Semiconductor Scintillation Other types of

Radiation Detectors Detector
Inorganic Organic
Ionization Excitation
Light Signal
Current or Voltage Signal

Photo Multiplier Tube , Photo-diode
Amplifier Amplifier
Current Signal Pulse Signal Signal

Electronic Treatment
Device
Single Channel Analyzer, Scaler Multi Channel Analyzer
Current Meter Count Number Spectrum Display

Source: Takuya Abe, “Principles of Radioactivity Measurement”, Instructor Training Course on Nuclear and Radiological Emergency Preparedness – JAEA, June 21, 2018
• Gas-filled detectors (ionization of a gas)
• Ionization chambers
• Proportional counter
• Geiger-Muller counters
• Solid-state detectors (excitation and ionization)

• Semiconductor detectors
• Scintillation detectors
• Luminescence detectors
• Detectors that rely on chemical changes
• Gas-filled detectors
• Solid-state detectors
Gas-filled Detectors
Gas-filled detectors
• Rely on the ionization of the filling
gas
• Ionization energy is ~35eV/electron
• When a high voltage is placed

between two areas of the gas filled
space,
• positive ions attracted to the
negative side of the detector (the
cathode)
• free electrons will travel to the
positive side (the anode)
• Charge builds up causing a voltage

change in the circuit
• sometimes referred as the pulse
Operating Regions of a Gas-Filled Detector

Operating Regions of a Gas-Filled Detector

I II III IV V
ION CHAMBER PROPORTIONAL LIMITED G-M CONTINUOUS
• Relationship
REGION REGION PROPOR- REGION DISCHARGE
TIONAL REGION
REGION
Recombination between high

Region
voltage supply and
PULSE HEIGHT
charge collected or
pulse height
a
a
(100 X B)
B
• As high voltage
(100 X Y) Y
increases, charge
VS VP VL VG VD
collected increases
VOLTAGE APPLIED
http://www.physics.isu.edu/radinf/dectector1.htm
Recombination Region (V < VS)

I II III IV V
REGION REGION PROPOR- REGION DISCHARGE Cathode (-)
TIONAL REGION
REGION
+
ion+ ion+ ion+ ion ion+
Recombination ion+
e- e- e- e- e-
Region e-
PULSE HEIGHT
Anode (+)
a
a
(100 X B)
• With very low voltage,
B electron ion pairs will
(100 X Y) Y recombine, some will be
VS VP VL VG VD
collected and register a
VOLTAGE APPLIED pulse
Ionization Region (VS - VP) ion+ ion+

Cathode (-)
ion+ ion+ +
ion+ ion
I II III IV V
ION CHAMBER PROPORTIONAL LIMITED G-M CONTINUOUS e- e- e-
REGION REGION PROPOR- REGION DISCHARGE e- e-
•
-
TIONAL
REGION
REGION Complete primarye charge
collection (direct ionization)
Anode (+)
• The number of primary ion

PULSE HEIGHT
pairs created is
a
proportional to the energy
a absorbed (or charges
(100 X B)
B
deposited in the detector)
(100 X Y) Y
• Used in accurate dose
VS VP VL VG VD
VOLTAGE APPLIED
(rate) measurement
Ionization Chamber
• Can operate with different gas fillings
and gas pressures but often air is used
at atmospheric pressure and
temperature
• Direct current amplifier measures the

low current produced which is
proportional to the intensity of
radiation
• The ionization current indicates exposure
rate
• Measures low and high energy

photons, alpha and beta radiation
• Must have thin walls or windows for beta
and alpha detection
Ionization Chambers
Proportional Region (VP - VL)

Cathode (-)
I II III IV V
ION CHAMBER PROPORTIONAL LIMITED G-M CONTINUOUS ion+ ion+
REGION REGION PROPOR- REGION DISCHARGE ion+ ion+ +
ion+ ion
TIONAL REGION
REGION • Ate a sufficiently
-
e
e
-
-
e e -
high voltage
-
charge multiplication e
may -
occur Electron avalance

Anode (+)
PULSE HEIGHT
• This occurs when the

primary ions gain sufficient
a energy between successive
a collisions (secondary charge
(100 X B)
generation)
B
(100 X Y) Y • Accelerated electrons gain

VS VP VL VG VD
high energy to cause further
VOLTAGE APPLIED
ionization
 gas amplification
Proportional Counters
• Charge multiplication occurs
• Over a range of applied voltage,

the detector output pulse is
proportional to the amount of
energy deposited by the radiation
• More sensitive than ion chambers,

suitable for low intensity field
radiation
• Best used as contamination meters and are capable of measuring low dose
rates
• Better response to low energy photons and beta radiation
• The detector’s applications include
 spectrometry,
 neutron detection,
 discrimination between ionizing particles (e.g. electrons and protons)
 absolute measurements of the activity of beta emitters
• P-10 gas (a mix of 90% argon & 10% methane), noble gases (e.g. Argon, Xenon)
• It is important that a stable
high voltage supply is used to
ensure that any change in
output is related to the
change in incoming radiation
rather than a change in the
applied voltage
• can be used w/ a pulse height

discrimination circuit to
distinguish between the types
of radiation on the basis of
their ionizing ability
Limited Proportionality Region (VL-VG)

I II III IV V
TIONAL REGION
REGION
• Accelerated electrons gain
high energy to cause further
ionization and gas
PULSE HEIGHT
amplification but to a limited

proportionality range
a
a
(100 X B)
(100 X Y) Y
VS VP VL VG VD
VOLTAGE APPLIED
Geiger-Muller Region (VG - VD)

I II III IV V
ION CHAMBER PROPORTIONAL LIMITED G-M CONTINUOUS Cathode (-)
TIONAL REGION ion+ ion+
REGION ion+ ion+ +
e- ion+ ion
e- e- e- e-
UV
PULSE HEIGHT
Electron avalance
Anode (+)
a • Increasing further the applied

a
(100 X B)
voltage, a single ion will produce
B an avalanche of ionization
(100 X Y) Y
• UV rays from excited atoms in
VS VP VL VG VD
large Townsend avalance produce
VOLTAGE APPLIED
electron-ion pair again
Geiger-Muller Region (VG - VD)

• Secondary ionization beginning
to swamp the original primary
ionization signal.
• All the information from the
primary ionization is lost
• Charge collected is no longer
proportional to the primary
ionization
• Contain low pressure inert gas
and traces of an organic or
halogen gas called quenching
agent
Geiger-Muller Detectors
• Detector requires only a
moderately stable voltage, a
simple amplifier and other
inexpensive components,
including a ratemeter (C), to
construct a useful instrument
• High sensitivity and is mostly used

in low intensity fields
• Output pulse is always the same

magnitude
• Can detect alpha, beta and

photon radiation
QUESTION # 5
Which of the following statement about IONIZATION
CHAMBER, a type of gas-filled detectors, is FALSE?
a. Ionization chambers operate at low voltage levels that recombination
usually occurs
b. Ionization chambers registers a measurement from “primary ion” caused
by interaction of radiation with the gas chamber
c. Ionization chambers are sensitive to all types of radiation but is unable to
discriminate the radiation source.
d. Ionization chambers are best used for dose measurement in high intensity
fields and don’t have issues with dead time compared with other detectors
QUESTION # 6
PROPORTIONAL COUNTERS are gas filled detectors
that operate at higher voltage. Due to this, gas
amplification occurs and the amplification is linearly
proportional to the increase in voltage.
True or False?
They are useful for some spectroscopy applications

since they react differently to different energies, and
thus are able to tell the difference between different
types of radiation spectroscopy.
QUESTION # 7
Geiger-Muller counters are very sensitive to radiation,
thus is mostly used for counting and detecting
presence of radiation in the field.
Select the applications of GM tubes from the following
choices.
o Contamination survey
o Identification of the type of radiation source
o Measurement of dose and dose rate
o Gamma and neutron spectrometry
Solid State Detectors
• Refers to types of detector with
crystalline substances that exhibit
measureable effects when
exposed to radiation
• Electrons normally exist in the

valence band
• Ionizing radiation may rise the

electron from the valence band to
the exciton or conduction band
• Vacancy left by the electron is

known as the hole
Solid state detectors
Semiconductor Detectors
• Operate like ionization chambers
• The charge carriers are not

electron-ion pairs like in gas filled
but are electron-hole pairs
• Cooling system is needed to

control thermal energy
Cooling
system Conduction band
Excited electron Exciton band Energy level
Electron-hole pair Forbidden band

Trapped electron
http://nsspi.tamu.edu/nsep/courses/basic-radiation-detection/semiconductor-detectors/introduction/introduction Valence band
• Depletion layer in the p-n
junction serves as the
ionization chamber
• Transfer energy to the electron

and produces electron-hole
pairs (ionization potential ~5 eV)
• Bias allows the movement of

charges
• Sensitivity of solid state

detectors is about 104 times
higher than that of gas-filled
detectors
HPGe Detector on top of LN2 dewar • Excellent energy resolution
• Main application is in gamma

and alpha spectrometry
• HPGe detector is the gold
standard for gamma
spectrometry
• Si(Li) can detect low energy

radiation – needs cooling
• CdTe can operate at room temp
• Can be used for dose and dose

rate measurement
https://www.thermofisher.com/blog/mining/technology-focus-silicon-drift-detectors/
Scintillation Detectors
2
1 3
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scintillation_counter#/media/File:PhotoMultiplierTubeAndScintillator.svg
1 The Scintillation Process 2 Conversion of Light 3 Charge Multiplication

Scintillation Detectors 1 The Scintillation Process
• Energy of photon is imparted to

the scintillation material via
Photoelectric (PE), Compton (CS)
and pair production (PP)
• Electron produced causes
excitation/ionization (~15 eV) but
allowed to de-excite, with energy
in the UV-visible range 
1 2 3 scintillation
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scintillation_counter#/media/File:PhotoMultiplierTubeAndScintillator.svg
2 Conversion of Light 3 Charge Multiplication

• Low energy electron is accelerated towards the
• Visible light passes through the coupling
dynodes  secondary electrons
• interacts with the photocathode  converts
• Secondary e’s move to the 2nd dynode, the 3rd and
light to photoelectron (primary e-)
so on  Charge Multiplication s
• Electrons are guided toward the dynode by
• Collection of charges in the anode  current or
focusing electrode
pulse
NOTE: Energy of incident photon is proportional to the pulse height
• Detector requires a stable voltage
for the dynodes
• Used in gamma spectrometry,

with higher efficiency but with
lower resolution than HPGe
• Can detect alpha, beta and

photon and neutron radiation
(depending on the scintillator
material used)
• Widely used for radiation

monitoring and dose
measurement
HPGe vs NaI Detectors – Gamma Spectrum
NaI detector
HPGe detector
• solid organic materials such as
anthracene and stilbene
• liquid solutions of organic materials

(liquid scintillants)
• used for measuring beta-emissions

Luminescence Detectors
• Uses electron trapping process
• The electrons are trapped when

Conduction band
exposed to radiation and are stable
at normal temperatures
Excited electron Exciton band Energy level
Electron-hole pair Forbidden band

Trapped electron
Valence band • If heated or subject to light,

trapped electron returns to valence
band and emits light
• Measures total accumulated dose

• Thermoluminscent detectors (TLD)
• Phosphors absorb energy from
ionizing radiation and release light
when heated above 100-300ᵒC
• Can detect beta particles, gamma
and neutrons
• Intensity of light measured and
related to radiation dose of
phosphor
 Calcium sulphate (for gamma)
 Calcium fluoride (for gamma)
 Lithium fluoride (LiF) (for neutrons)
 lithium borate (for neutrons)
• Optically stimulated luminescence
(OSL) dosimeter
• solid state detector containing
aluminum oxide crystals Al2O3:C
• amount of radiation exposure is
measured by stimulating the Al2O3:C
with green light from either a laser or
light emitting diode source.
• amount of light released during
optical stimulation is directly
proportional to the radiation dose
and the intensity of stimulation light.
QUESTION # 8
Ionization energy in gas-filled detectors are ~35 eV per electron
while a semiconductor has only ~3 eV. For a 1 keV incident
particle, the estimated electrons produced are,
Gas-filled: 1000eV/35eV/electron = 28 electrons
Semiconductor: 1000eV/ 3eV/electron = 333 electrons
TRUE or FALSE?
Semiconductor detectors have higher sensitivity than gas-filled detectors due to the
higher density of charged pairs that can be produced.
QUESTION # 9
TRUE or FALSE?
A scintillation detector, like Sodium Iodide (NaI), relies on the

measurement of the intensity of light produced in the
scintillant material to determine the energy of the incoming
radiation and the dose delivered to the detector.
QUESTION # 10
TRUE or FALSE?
A thermoluminescent detector (TLD) can measure and

delineate the radiation dose from both gamma and neutrons.
Detectors that rely on chemical change
Photographic Films
• Ionizing radiation affects
photographic film in the same
way as light
• Film consists of emulsion of

crystals of silver bromide
• After developing, the optical

density produced is proportional
to the radiation dose
Detectors that rely on chemical change
Fricke Dosimeters
• Fe2+ ions in ferrous sulfate
solutions are dispersed
throughout gelatine, agarose or
PVA matrix
• Upon radiation exposure ferrous
ions Fe2+ are converted into ferric
ions Fe3+
• Change in paramagnetic
properties that may be measured
using Nuclear Magnetic
Resonance (NMR) relaxation rates
or absorbance properties using
Fricke Xylenol Orange Gelatin Dosimeters
optical techniques.
Neutron detectors
Activation by Neutrons
• Neutrons are absorbed by stable isotopes i.e. Au-197, In-115, Ag-109, forming a
compound nucleus and emit radiation i.e. beta, gamma-rays
• The measured intensity of ionizing radiation resulting from neutron activation is
related to neutrons that interacted
Neutron detectors
Act = φ σ NT is the total number of target atoms, NT

𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 × 𝑎𝑏𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 × 𝑁𝐴
NT =
𝐴𝑡𝑜𝑚𝑖𝑐 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡
is the absorption cross-section

for thermal neutrons, cm2
is the thermal neutron flux

(neutrons/s/cm2)
is the measured saturated activity of

the characteristic gamma-ray emitted
by the irradiated foil (particles/sec)
Neutron detectors
Fast Neutron Foils
0.6MeV – 13.5 MeV
Al, Cu, Fe, In, Mg, NaCl. Ni, S, Ti, V, Zn, Zr
Thermal Neutron Foils

0.025 eV – 5.0 keV
Au, Co, Cu, Fe, In, 5.2% Lu-Al, 81.3% Mn-Cu, Mo, NaCl, Sc, W
Thermal Neutron Foils

0.025 eV - 13.5 MeV
Al, Au, Cu, Fe, In, Mg, Ni, Sc, Ti, V, Zr
Neutron detectors
Charged particle formation
• Detection relies on the secondary ionizing radiation resulting from neutrons

interacting with matter
• Production of charged particles i.e. alpha-particles, protons, atomic nucleus
• Fast neutron detectors & thermal neutron detectors
Neutron detectors
Neutron detectors
Slow Neutron Detectors
(gas-filled proportional counters)
a. Boron-based detector
b. Lithium-based detector
c. Helium-based detector
Neutron detectors
Fast Neutron detectors

D – Display in counter/ratemeter
P – Proportional counter detector, BF3 or He-3
M – Moderator polyethylene material used to thermalize fast
neutrons incident on the detector
S – sheath (Cd or B) which modifies the energy response
according to neutron quality factors to enable direct
measurement of dose equivalent rates
• gas-filled proportional counters + moderating material

• for neutron dose and dose rate measurement
Neutron detectors
Neutron Spectrometer
• Multiple moderator sizes to

determine the energy distribution
neutron spectrum and dose
of neutrons
Neutron detectors (active and/or passive)
+
QUESTION # 11
How are charged particles produced in a proportional counter
with fill gas of B, He and Li for thermal neutron detection?
Stages of Radiation Detection
Detection Process in Electronic Detectors
General Detection Process
73
The Standard Nuclear Instrumentation Chain
74
Nuclear Instrumentation Bin
(NIMBin)
• Power source (and holder) of

modules
• Indicates the range of voltages that

are supplied to modules
https://obtainsurplus.com/test-measurement/radiation/canberra-2100-
1-chassis-nim-bin-w-power-supply-6-12-24v-000072118043cc18ls
75
64
Pre-amplifier (Proportional Counter)
• Provides interface between the detector and the signal
processing electronics
• Voltage-sensitive preamplifier provides a pulse with
voltage, Vmax = Q/C, where C is fixed
• Other types are charge-sensitive and current-sensitive
• Linear pulse gives the rise time and decay time
Oscilloscope
An oscilloscope is used to view signal pulses versus time
Three basic functions:

-Vertical adjustment for the signal amplitude
-Horizontal adjustment for the time
-Trigger
76
The Instrumentation Modules
Gives out a signal if the input is
within the set value. The output • A scaler/ratemeter is used the count the logic pulses given out by the SCA for a
is in the form of a Logic Pulse given counting time
• The small screen can give out the counted pulses and/or the counting time
The value, called window(ΔE), is
determined by setting a Lower • Amplifies the pre-amp signal
(linear) pulse
Level Discriminator (LLD) and an
Upper Level Discriminator (ULD) • Extract pulse height
such that information from pre-amp by
ULD – LLD = ΔE pulse (linear) shaping
• Reduces the noise (high pass
In some systems, the window and low pass filters) for
can be set instead of the ULD smoother pulse appearance
• Top (amplifier pulse) bottom
(pre-amplifier
• Supplies high voltage to the detector only

• Provides bias for charge collection
Amplifier
Fine Gain (fine, small amplification of linear pulse)
Coarse Gain (coarse, huge amplification)
Shaping Time
Functions:
Pole Zero Adjustment
1.Pulse amplification
2.Pulse shaping
Unipolar and Bipolar setting
3.Noise reduction
Shaping Time (Amplifier)
• FWHM of the spectrum
peak depends on the
shaping time
• Short shaping time does

not include all of the
preamplifier pulse and a
long shaping time include
too much signal noise
• Longer shaping time 

better peak resolution
larger dead times
79
69
SCA vs MCA
A single channel pulse height analysis

(PHA) consolidates the number of logic
pulses counted over a range of pulse
values or pulse heights.
The range of pulse heights is obtained by

adjusting the LLD and ULD of the SCA
71
80
SCA vs MCA
https://pubs.rsna.org/doi/10.1148/radiographics.19.2.g99mr30481
The Multi-channel analyzer (MCA) is a device that works like

many SCAs in a row, analyzing data one after another
Converts the signals through and Analog-to-Digital Converter

(ADC) which stores outputs into a defined number of
channels
81
Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC)
Converts pulses or analog

signal into a digital data which
stores outputs into a defined
number of channels
82
Nicole T. Ranger
RadioGraphics 1999 19:2, 481-502
Summary
• Detection of radiation is based on the measurement of ionization or
excitation in solids, liquids and gas, changes in the properties of
materials and nuclear reactions producing charged particles and
photons.
• General properties of radiation detectors include energy resolution,
efficiency, sensitivity and resolving time
• Factors affecting detection are the type and intensity of the incident
radiation, the energy and the application  Dose, Dose Rate,
Spectroscopy, Intensity or Contamination measurement
Types of Radiation Charge Particle Photon Neutron
(α-ray, β-ray) (γ-ray, X-ray)
Radiation Proton, α-ray, fission

Interactions Secondary Electron products, etc
Gas Filled Semiconductor Scintillation Other types of

Radiation Detectors Detector
Inorganic Organic
Ionization Excitation
Light Signal
Current or Voltage Signal

Photo Multiplier Tube , Photo-diode
Amplifier Amplifier
Current Signal Pulse Signal Signal

Treatment
Electronic Device
Single Channel Analyzer, Scaler Multi Channel Analyzer
Current Meter Count Number Spectrum

Display
Source: Takuya Abe, “Principles of Radioactivity Measurement”, Instructor Training Course on Nuclear and Radiological Emergency Preparedness – JAEA, June 21, 2018
Type of Detector Radiation Detected Typical Use Special Features
GAS FILLED DETECTORS
Ionization chambers Alpha, beta, gamma Dose & dose rate measurements Used in accurate dose measurements
dose rate measurements, Better response to low energy photons
X-rays, beta, gamma,
Proportional counters Contamination measurements, and beta radiation, low dose rates but
neutrons
spectrometry with high technical requirements
Dose & dose rate measurements, Relatively ruggedized and operates in

Geiger Muller counters Alpha, beta, gamma, x-rays
Contamination measurements simple output circuits, energy dependent
SOLID STATE DETECTORS
dose rate measurements, gamma Normally operates in low temperatures,
Semiconductor detectors Gamma, X-rays, alpha, beta
spectrometry uses semiconductor materials
Alpha, beta, gamma, dose rate and contamination
Scintillation detectors Used in identifying beta emitters
neutrons measurements, gamma spectrometry
Luminescence detectors Beta, gamma, neutron Dose measurements Widely used in personnel monitoring
DETECTORS THAT RELY ON CHEMICAL CHANGE
Photographic films Beta, gamma Dose measurements
ACTIVATION BY NEUTRONS
Rely on the secondary ionizing radiation

Neutron Activation foils Neutrons Neutron flux measurement resulting from neutrons interacting with
matter, typically very heavy
Nicole T. Ranger
RadioGraphics 1999 19:2, 481-502
References
• JAEA Instructor Training Program Lecture Materials
• PNRI Nuclear Training Center Lecture Materials
• Introduction to Radiation Protection, A. Martin, S. Harbison, 5th edition
• IAEA Practical Radiation Technical Manual: Workplace Monitoring for Radiation
and Contamination, 2004
• Knoll, Glenn F., Radiation Detection and Measurement 4th Edition, Wiley, 8/2010.
ISBN-13: 978-0470131480
Thank you for your attention

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Radiation Detection

Cheri Anne M. Dingle

 Discuss basic working principles, capabilities and limitations of

 Identify what these detectors can detect

 Be able to choose appropriate instrument to be used in an

• Radiation instruments are used to

• Take necessary steps to avoid or

Detection systems are based on . . .

Detection systems are based on . . .

• Ionization and Excitation in certain solids

Detection systems are based on . . .

• Ionization and Excitation in certain solids

• Changes in chemical systems

Detection systems are based on . . .

• Ionization and Excitation in certain solids

• Changes in chemical systems

General Properties of Radiation Detectors

Radiation detection systems rely on the

Detector Efficiency is the capability of the

Factors Affecting Radiation Detection

Type of incident radiation

Factors Affecting Radiation Detection

Factors Affecting Radiation Detection

Factors Affecting Radiation Detection

o Energy of the incident radiation

Types of Radiation Charge Particle Photon Neutron

Radiation Proton, α-ray, fission

Gas Filled Semiconductor Scintillation Other types of

Current or Voltage Signal

Current Signal Pulse Signal Signal

Current Meter Count Number Spectrum Display

• Solid-state detectors (excitation and ionization)

• Detectors that rely on chemical changes

• When a high voltage is placed

• Charge builds up causing a voltage

Operating Regions of a Gas-Filled Detector

Operating Regions of a Gas-Filled Detector

Recombination between high

Recombination Region (V < VS)

Ionization Region (VS - VP) ion+ ion+

• The number of primary ion

• Direct current amplifier measures the

• Measures low and high energy

Proportional Region (VP - VL)

occur Electron avalance

• This occurs when the

(100 X Y) Y • Accelerated electrons gain

• Charge multiplication occurs

• Over a range of applied voltage,

• More sensitive than ion chambers,

• can be used w/ a pulse height

Limited Proportionality Region (VL-VG)

amplification but to a limited

Geiger-Muller Region (VG - VD)

a • Increasing further the applied

Geiger-Muller Region (VG - VD)

• High sensitivity and is mostly used

• Output pulse is always the same

• Can detect alpha, beta and

They are useful for some spectroscopy applications

• Detectors that rely on chemical changes

• Electrons normally exist in the

• Ionizing radiation may rise the

• Vacancy left by the electron is