RADIATION DETECTOR

WHAT IS RADIATION DETECTOR?

• Radioactivity is everywhere around us and also under the
ground. But, we just cannot sense the presence of
radioactivity. So, here is when a radiation detector steps in!
• What is a radiation detector? It is industrial equipment that’s
designed to identify and measure the subatomic particles
emitted by radioactive materials in our surroundings.
• This device simply counts
the radioactive particles
and displays an average
for you to make a
decision accordingly.
 WHAT IS RADIATION DETECTOR?
• It is significantly different from a Geiger counter. A Geiger counter
cannot identify the original source of radiation or the type and
amount of energy.
• However, on the other side, the best radiation detectors can
localize the origin whether it is from a nuclear weapon, a
radiological dispersal device or through improvised nuclear devices.
• Plus, a Geiger counter helps detect low-level radiation like the
ones present in your water, foods, nearby puddles, in the air or your
entire house.
RADIATION DETECTOR
ARE EVERYDAY THINGS RADIOACTIVE?

Some amount of radioactive

material is definitely present
in the things around us.
• Smoke detectors
• Television
• Microwave
• Cigarettes
• Ceramic dishes
• Cat litter
• Fluorescent lights irradiated
gemstones
TYPES OF RADIATION
Radioactivity or radiations are
atoms in an unstable state which
undergo nuclear processes to
become more stable and there’s an
energy emission from the nucleus.
The radiations then emitted are
alpha, beta and gamma.
 ALPHA
PARTICLES
Alpha particles are the electrically charged particles that
are at least penetrating and are of a shorter range
however pretty damaging when ingested or inhaled.
 BETA
PARTICLES
Beta particles are also electrically charged but faster to
penetrate and also hazardous. Prolonged exposure
can cause skin burns or damage your eyes.
 GAMMA PARTICLES
Gamma particles are an even more intense form of
electromagnetic radiation. These are the most
dangerous ones and aren’t easily detectable.
IS RADIATION HARMFUL?
• Exposure to very high
levels of radiation, such
as being close to an
atomic blast, can cause
acute health effects such
as skin burns and
acute radiation syndrome
(“radiation sickness").
• It can also result in long-
term health effects such
as cancer and
cardiovascular disease.
TYPES OF RADIATION DETECTORS
Geiger Counter
• This one is the most commonly
used radiation detector. It works
with a metallic wire that is in
between a gas-filled tube
chamber used at a higher voltage
to collect the ionization generated
due to incidental radiations.
• It can easily detect the alpha and
beta radiations. However, the
gamma rays are a bit difficult to
distinguish. And these are also
popularly called as gas-filled
detectors.
TYPES OF RADIATION DETECTORS
Gaseous Ionization Detectors
• The gas ionization detectors are used to detect both artificial and
natural radioactive substances present in the environment.
• These are used in particle physics that helps identify the ionizing
particles along with being used in radiation protection applications.
TYPES OF RADIATION DETECTORS
Scintillators
• This device basically exhibits scintillation that’s one property of
luminescence.
• They are coupled with an electronic light sensor like the
photodiode, photomultiplier tube (PMT) or the silicon photomultiplier to
convert light into an electric pulse.
• This action is performed with the help of vacuum tubes.