Instrumentation for Radiation Physics

Recommended Prerequisites

Not applicable.

Teaching Methods

Two Lectures per week. Laboratory classes with two hours of classroom. The experimental works address the physical measurements (atomic physics, nuclear, cosmic radiation and medical physics) using several types of detectors. Rating based on: - Experimental work involving the preparation and implementation of measures, analysis of data collected and presentation of results and conclusions; - Job summary: study of a detection system for Particle Physics or Medicine to be held by each student under the guidance of the teacher, involving quantitative aspects.

Learning Outcomes

Theoretical understanding of physical phenomena involved in the detection of radiation.
Knowledge of the various types of detectors, their working modes and comparative advantages and limitations.
Knowledge of the main uses of radiation detectors in experimental physics and other areas, such as medicine.

Ability to study with autonomy.
Capacity to apply previous knowledge (electronics, nuclear physics) in new situations.
Ability to solve problems and apply knowledge in practice. Ability to search for and use references.

In particular, students should learn how to:
- Understand the physical processes underlying spectrometry and dosimetry;
- Participate in the development or implementation of radiation detectors;
- Critically analyze the new advances in radiation detection technologies.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1 - Interaction of radiation with matter; dosimetry.

2 - The build-up of signals in radiation detectors: relevant theorems; electronic treatment of these signals: shaping, front-end electronics and digitalisation.

3 - Light detectors; photomultipliers and photodiodes.

4 - Detection of non-ionising radiation: NMR as an example - principles (Bloch equations) and applications (spectroscopy and imaging).

5 - Detectors of ionising radiation - principles, characteristics and applications:
  • gas detectors (ionisation chamber; proportional counter and MWPC, microstructure detectors; new designs: detectors using primary and secondary radiation;
  • scintillators (organic and inorganic; new scintillation crystals);
  • semicondutor detectors (from diode to matrices; CCDS, APDs).

6 - Neutron detectors.

7 - Integration of radiation detectors in systems used in:
  • Particle Physics
  • Medical Imaging.

Head Lecturer(s)

Maria Filomena de Osório Pinto dos Santos Figueiredo

Assessment Methods

Assessment 2
Synthesis work: 30.0%
Exam: 30.0%
Laboratory work or Field work: 40.0%

Assessment 1
Synthesis work: 30.0%
Frequency: 30.0%
Laboratory work or Field work: 40.0%

Bibliography

G.F. Knoll, Radiation Detection and Measurement, 3rd edition, John Wiley and Sons, 2000 K. Krane, Introductory Nulcear Physics, John Wiley and Sons, 1987