Nuclear Radiations and detectors

PHYSICS ASIGNMENT 2

BS MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY
HADIA NABI BAKHSH | PERFUSION SCIENCES | ROLL NO:57
15TH JUNE 2023

 Nuclear Radiation hazards and their preventions

 Importance of radiation and radiations elements in medical technology
 Types of nuclear radiation detectors
 Explain:
 Gas filled detector
 Solid detectors
Nuclear Radiation hazards
The potential of severe dangers associated with exposure to ionizing radiation emitted by radioactive
materials depending on the type and energy of the radiation, the duration of exposure, and the distance
from the radiation source.

 Three main types of ionizing radiation: alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays.

 Alpha radiations, pose a significant hazard if inhaled, ingested, or exposed to sensitive tissues
and can cause severe damage to cells and tissues, increasing the risk of cancer and other
health effects.

 Beta radiation can cause skin burns and damage to internal organs if the source is close to the
body.

 Gamma radiation is hazardous as it can penetrate the human body, causing damage to cells,
DNA, and other biological molecules.

 Exposure to high levels of radiation can have detrimental effects on human health from mild, such
as skin burns and radiation sickness, to severe, including acute radiation syndrome and an
increased risk of developing cancer.

 Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS) occurs when a person is exposed to high levels of radiation
over a short period. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, skin burns, hair loss, and
damage to the bone marrow, which can lead to decreased blood cell counts.

 Nuclear accidents or incidents involving radioactive materials release radioactive particles into the
environment which contaminates the air, soil, water, animals and food sources, risking to human
health and the environment.

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Preventions
It involves a combination of safety protective measures, regulations, and emergency preparedness.

 These include time, distance, and shielding, minimizing the time spent in the vicinity of a radiation
source, increasing the distance from the source, and using appropriate dense shielding materials
(such as lead or concrete) can help reduce exposure and to attenuate gamma radiations.

 Providing adequate training and protective equipment for workers who handle radioactive
materials is crucial like proper radiation shielding (such as gloves, goggles, respirators, and
coveralls), dosimeters to measure personal radiation exposure, and adherence to strict safety
protocols during all stages of work involving radioactive materials.

 Follow instructions from emergency authorities and stay updated on the latest information
regarding radiation levels and evacuation procedures which will help you make informed
decisions to protect yourself. Follow guidelines and advisories from health authorities regarding
the safety of food and water sources. Follow decontamination procedures recommended by
authorities like removing clothing, washing exposed areas, and disposing of contaminated items
properly.

 Regularly monitor radiation levels in your environment using appropriate instruments if available
to assess potential risks and take necessary precautions. Healthcare professionals who work with
radiation need to adhere to strict safety protocols to protect themselves, patients, and the general
public from unnecessary exposure by appropriate shielding, monitoring equipment, and radiation
safety measures are implemented to minimize radiation risks and the use of dosimeters.

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Importance of radiation and radiation elements in medical
technology
 Radiation-based imaging techniques such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT), and positron
emission tomography (PET) are used for diagnostic purposes, they allow physicians to visualize
internal structures, identify abnormalities, and make accurate diagnoses.

 Radiation therapy or radiotherapy, is a common treatment modality for cancer by high-energy

radiation to destroy cancer cells or inhibit their growth delivered externally (external beam
radiation) or internally (brachytherapy) to target specific tumor sites while minimizing damage to
surrounding healthy tissue. Brachytherapy is a specialized form of radiation therapy that involves
the placement of radioactive sources directly into or near the tumor for the treatment of prostate,
cervical, and breast cancers, among others.

 Nuclear medicine employs radioactive substances, known as radiopharmaceuticals, to diagnose

and treat diseases, they emit radiation that can be detected by specialized cameras, enabling
physicians to observe organ function and detect abnormalities, widely used in fields such as
cardiology, neurology, and oncology and plays a vital role in medical research and development.

 Radiation is used for sterilization in healthcare settings. Gamma radiation or electron beams can
effectively eliminate bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms from medical equipment,
supplies, and surgical instruments ensuring that medical devices are safe for use and minimizes the
risk of infection and helps improve patient care, optimize treatment strategies, and expand our
understanding of diseases.

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Types of nuclear radiation detectors
 Geiger-Muller (GM) Counter: detector that detects ionizing radiation, such as alpha, beta, and
gamma radiation consisting of a tube filled with a gas (usually helium or argon) and a wire
electrode. When radiation enters the tube, it ionizes the gas, and the resulting electrical current is
measured.

 Scintillation Detector: use scintillators that emit flashes of light when struck by radiation, can be
made of inorganic crystals or organic liquids. Photomultiplier tubes or photodiodes are used to
detect the light pulses and convert them into electrical signals.

 Ionization Chamber: measures the ionization produced by radiation, consists of a chamber filled
with air or a special gas, with electrodes to collect the ionized particles. The electrical current
generated by the ionization is measured to determine the radiation levels.
 Proportional Counter: Similar to the GM counter, a proportional counter uses a gas-filled chamber,
but with a higher operating voltage. It can differentiate between different types of radiation and
provides information about the energy of the particles.

 Solid-State Detectors: use solid-state materials, such as silicon or germanium, to detect radiation.
When radiation interacts with the material, it creates electric charges that can be measured,
commonly used in nuclear physics and medical imaging.

 Neutron Detectors: are designed specifically to detect neutrons, which are electrically neutral
particles. Different types of detectors are used for neutron detection, including gas-based detectors
(like BF3 counters), scintillation detectors with special materials (such as lithium-based
scintillators), and solid-state detectors with materials that are sensitive to neutrons.

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Gas filled detector
A gas detector or gas ionization chamber, is a device used to detect and measure ionizing radiation
consisting of a gas-filled chamber with electrodes that create an electric field within the chamber. When
ionizing radiation passes through the gas, it ionizes the atoms or molecules within the chamber, creating
positively charged ions and free electrons.

The electric field within the chamber causes the positive ions and free electrons to move towards the
oppositely charged electrodes, creating an electric current. This current can be measured and used to
determine the intensity or energy of the radiation that entered the chamber.

Used in various applications, including radiation monitoring, environmental measurements, medical

imaging, and nuclear physics research. including the Geiger-Muller (GM) detector, proportional counter,
and ionization chamber. Each type of gas-filled detector has its own characteristics and is suitable for
specific radiation detection tasks. For example, the GM detector is highly sensitive and commonly used for
detecting low-level radiation, while proportional counters provide a more accurate measurement of
radiation intensity and energy. Ionization chambers are often used for precise measurements in radiation
therapy or calibration applications.

Different types of gases can be used in gas-filled detectors, such as argon, helium, neon, or a mixture of
gases, depending on the desired properties and application requirements. The choice of gas affects the
detector's sensitivity, energy response, and operating voltage range, reliability, versatility, and ability to
provide real-time measurement, critical role in nuclear safety, industrial monitoring, and scientific research
related to radiation.

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Solid detector
A semiconductor radiation detector, device used to detect and measure ionizing radiation such as alpha
particles, beta particles, and gamma rays. Unlike gas-filled detectors, they utilize semiconductor materials
to directly convert the energy of incoming radiation into electrical signals. Most commonly used
semiconductor is silicon, and also germanium and cadmium telluride can be employed, they allow them to
interact with ionizing radiation and produce detectable signals.

solid-state detector consists of a semiconductor crystal, usually in the form of a diode or a more complex
configuration, with metal contacts attached to it. When ionizing radiation passes through the crystal, it
creates electron-hole pairs, which are electrically charged carriers, collected by the metal contacts, creating
an electrical current or voltage pulse that can be measured and analyzed.

Their high sensitivity and precision in detecting and quantifying radiation can provide accurate energy
measurements, allowing for identification of different types of radiation making them suitable for
applications requiring real-time monitoring or spectroscopy.

They are compact, durable, and do not require a gas-filled chamber, which simplifies their operation and
maintenance, can be used in various fields, including nuclear power plants, medical imaging,
environmental monitoring, and radiation therapy but are generally more expensive than gas-based
detectors, and their performance can be affected by temperature variations.

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