Detection of Ionizing Radiation

Relations:

In order to register for course 15DEIZ, the student must have registered for course 15DEIZ in a previous semester or in the same semester.

Course guarantor:

Jan John

Lecturer:

Martin Daňo, Jan John

Tutor:

Martin Daňo, Jan John

Supervisor:

Department of Nuclear Chemistry

Synopsis:

The first part of the course deals with the definitions, properties, and application of the detectors of ionising radiation (IR). In the second part, a detailed overview of the gas detectors, scintillation detectors, detectors for high energy IR, semiconductor detectors, and integrating solid state detectors is given. The last part of the course reviews the principles of the statistical treatment of data, and limits of detection.

Requirements:

Examination:

- Examinations are registered exclusively in the KOS system. Registration by other means (e-mail, verbally, MS Teams, etc.) is not valid.

- Only students who are duly registered for the course in KOS and have fulfilled all prerequisites may take the examination.

- Students who are not registered in KOS will not be admitted to the exam.

- Exam results will be entered into KOS within 5 working days of the exam date.

- Students who provide a valid excuse for their absence (e.g., illness, serious reasons) will be offered an alternative date.

Important notice:

- The conditions for completing the course are obligatory and apply equally to all students.

- All information about the course is available in KOS and on the faculty website.

- If you have any questions, please contact the instructor or course guarantor.

Syllabus of lectures:

1. Properties of the detectors of ionising radiation (IR). Detectors definition, functions and properties - counting, measurement of energy.

2. Detector properties - measurement of place and time; discrimination; output signals.

3. Application of detectors - counting; spektrometry.

4. Application of detectors - dosimetry, visualisation; timing measurements.

5. Types of detectors. Gas detectors.

6. Scintillation detectors.

7. Visualisation systems, detectors for high energy IR.

8. Semiconductor detectors - Part 1.

9. Semiconductor detectors - Part 2.

10. Integrating solid state detectors - film detectors; thermoluminiscent detectors; radiophotoluminiscent detectors; detection of neutrons.

11. Statistical treatment of data and uncertainties estimation. Description of data; statistic models; error propagation; measurement optimisation.

12. Limits of detection and determination. Qualitative analysis, quantitative analysis, gamma-ray spectrometry.

Syllabus of tutorials:

Study Objective:

The course of the detection of ionizing radiation provides the students with the knowledge of the principles of the function of various types of detectors, and basics of the treatment of measured data and limits following from the statistical character of this data. The students will acquire competence to select the type of detector appropriate for their respective application(s), comprehend the results of the measurement of ionising radiation, and correctly interpret their statistical relevance.

Study materials:

Key literature:

1. G.F. Knoll: Radiation Detection and Measurement, J. Willey & Sons, New York, 1984.

Recommended literature:

1. W.H. Tait: Radiation Detection, Butterworths, 1980.

Note:

Prerequisites: Knowledge equivalent to a complete physics course. Knowledge of the structure of the atom and its nucleus. Knowledge of the mechanisms of interaction of ionizing radiation (IR) with the material environment and the principles of IR dosimetry.

Time-table for winter semester 2025/2026:

Time-table is not available yet

Time-table for summer semester 2025/2026:

Time-table is not available yet

The course is a part of the following study plans:

• Jaderná chemie (compulsory course in the program)