Radiation Detection and Measurement - Physics Department

The E.V. Benton Radiation Physics Laboratory at OSU

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Overview of Radiation Detection and Measurement

Radiation detectors are essential tools for identifying and quantifying ionizing radiation. Among these, radiation dosimeters focus specifically on measuring absorbed doses—energy deposited in matter and, most importantly, in biological tissues. Radiation detectors and dosimeters generally fall into two main types: active and passive detectors. The EVBRPL is a pioneer in developing and utilizing both kinds of detectors.

Types of Radiation Detectors

Active Detectors

Active detectors are powered devices capable of detecting and measuring radiation over time. These detectors often include electronic displays that provide real-time absorbed dose data. Examples of active detectors include Geiger-Müller counters, scintillation-based detectors like Sodium Iodide, and semiconductor-based detectors such as high purity germanium used in gamma-ray spectroscopy. The EVBRPL is advancing tissue-equivalent, gas-filled radiation detectors, including ionization chambers and proportional counters for spacecraft dosimetry and cancer radiotherapy proton and heavy ion beam measurements.

Passive Detectors

In contrast, passive detectors don't need electrical power and are generally smaller and lighter. These detectors accumulate a signal due to radiation exposure, which is processed and read after the exposure period. Examples include x-ray film badges, photographic nuclear emulsions, and thermoluminescence and optically stimulated luminescence detectors. The EVBRPL excels in using CR-39 plastic nuclear track detectors (PNTD), a prominent passive detector used in space radiation dosimetry and neutron dosimetry, and also in nuclear physics and cosmic ray experiments.

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Radiation with sufficient energy to cause alterations at the atomic level is termed ionizing radiation. This type of radiation can harm cells, making it crucial to measure its potential health effects. Units used to measure ionizing radiation are often named after pioneering physicists in the field. Modern scientists use Becquerel, Gray, and Sievert to quantify radiation and assess its impact on humans.

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