A Journey into the World of Radiation Detection: From the Atomic Explorer's Perspective
- bpsinghamu
- Oct 20, 2024
- 4 min read
Hello, fellow explorers!
I’d like to take you back to a recent event I embarked on—a journey into the captivating realm of radiation detection. On October 19, 2024, I had the privilege of delivering a talk at the Regional Workshop on Radiation Detection Systems for Safety, Security, and Societal Applications at Amity University, Noida, INDIA.
It was during the session’s tea break, and I could feel the excitement in the air as I prepared to present my insights on a topic that is both fascinating and critical—“Enhancing Safety with Advanced Radiation Detection Systems.”The auditorium buzzed with energy, filled with eager minds from diverse backgrounds—all united by a shared interest: keeping society safe from the often-misunderstood world of radiation. As I glanced around, I recognized familiar faces—colleagues, students, and passionate researchers—gathered with a common goal: to ensure that radiation becomes a powerful ally, not a perilous foe.
Standing at the podium, I noticed a portrait of Ernest Rutherford to my left, with the quote inscribed beneath: “If a piece of physics cannot be explained to a barmaid, then it is not a good piece of physics.” I couldn’t help but reflect on how far we’ve come in understanding radiation. It felt like just yesterday, during my school days, that we first learned about Rutherford and his groundbreaking work on alpha scattering in the famous "Gold Foil experiment", which laid the foundation for our understanding of nucleus and the radioactive elements. More than a century later, his legacy still shapes our approach to radiation safety. As a matter of fact, in the history of science 19th October, 1937 marks the passing away of Rutherford, who is regarded as "Father of the Nuclear Physics".
The Mysterious Nature of Radiation
I began my talk by posing a simple yet profound question: “What is radiation?” I explained the intricacies of this phenomenon, saying: “Radiation is energy that travels through space in the form of particles or electromagnetic waves.” I highlighted the distinction between ionizing radiation—which can alter atoms and pose risks—and non-ionizing radiation, such as that used in microwaves. The audience nodded along, captivated by the interplay of particles and waves.Next, I discussed the sources of radiation around us: “Did you know radiation is all around us?” I talked about cosmic rays from space, radioactive elements in the Earth’s crust, and radon gas that can infiltrate homes. I also shared how X-rays, CT scans, and PET scans save lives, while reminding everyone of the responsibility that comes with these powerful technologies.
The Quest for Detection
I then dived into the exciting world of radiation detection systems, starting with the so called simplest nuclear radiation detector the Geiger-Müller counter. “This little device is like a trusty cylindrical tube, always ready to alert us to the presence of radiation,” I explained. I described how it measures radiation by ionizing gas, typically argon, but noted its limitations. Next, scintillation detectors, which emit light when they interact with radiation, were introduced. “It’s like a miniature light flash—magical, isn’t it?”. Finally, I presented advanced semiconductor detectors made from silicon, such as Si(Li), Ge(Li), and HPGe detectors. Also indicated that due to the large number of charged carreirs produced for the same amount of energy deposited these are having a great energy resolution. These are crucial tools in nuclear spectroscopy. I also discussed position-sensitive detectors, which track where particles hit—especially valuable in experiments with mass spectrometers.
The Radiation and Matter
I explained how alpha particles can be blocked by something as simple as paper, while gamma rays require heavy shielding like lead. I then shifted the focus to radiation safety, emphasizing the ALARA principle—keeping exposure As Low As Reasonably Achievable. I described various shielding techniques and how materials like lead and tungsten serve as barriers to protect us from radiation. “It’s all about creating protective layers!” I exclaimed, drawing nods from the audience. I also introduced personal protective equipment (PPE), such as lead aprons and dosimeters. “Imagine wearing a TLD or electronic dosimeter that tells you your exposure in real time!” I said, sparking curiosity among the participants.
A Glimpse into the Future
As I neared the end of my lecture, I shared my excitement about future developments in the field. I discussed state-of-the-art mobile radiation detection systems used in projects like Mobile Urban Radiation Search (MURS). I also highlighted how AI and machine learning could revolutionize radiation detection, with drones and robots navigating hazardous environments and wearable detectors monitoring exposure levels in real time.
Wrapping up my talk, I felt overwhelmed with gratitude. The exchange of ideas and the spark of curiosity in the audience reminded me why I embarked on this journey in the first place. Radiation detection is more than just science—it’s about safeguarding communities and ensuring a brighter, safer future.There was also an engaging discussion toward the end, including the radiation dose received during transatlantic flights, which lightened the mood when the ALARA principle became a point of humor for a moment.Thank you for being part of this adventure! Until next time, let’s continue exploring the wonders of science together!
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