Geigermittareita

Geigermittareita, commonly known as Geiger counters, are electronic instruments used for detecting and measuring ionizing radiation. Invented by Hans Geiger and Walther Müller in 1928, these devices are fundamental tools in fields such as nuclear physics, environmental monitoring, and emergency response.

The core component of a Geiger counter is a Geiger-Müller tube, a sealed cylinder filled with an inert gas like argon or neon at low pressure. A high voltage is applied between a central wire electrode and the outer casing of the tube. When ionizing radiation, such as alpha particles, beta particles, or gamma rays, enters the tube, it ionizes the gas. This ionization creates a cascade of electrons that are attracted to the central electrode, producing a brief electrical pulse.

These electrical pulses are then amplified and registered as a count. The rate of these counts, often displayed on a digital screen or indicated by an audible clicking sound, is proportional to the intensity of the radiation. Different types of Geiger counters are designed to detect specific types of radiation, with some being more sensitive to certain particles than others.

Geiger counters are relatively simple to operate and maintain, making them widely accessible. However, they have limitations. They typically cannot distinguish between different types of radiation and can be saturated by very high radiation levels, leading to inaccurate readings. Despite these limitations, Geiger counters remain indispensable for their ability to detect the presence of ionizing radiation and provide a measure of its intensity.