Neutronisäteet

Neutronisäteet, known in English as neutron radiation, are a form of energetic particle radiation consisting of neutrons. Neutrons are subatomic particles with no electrical charge, and they play a crucial role in nuclear reactions. Neutron radiation is highly penetrating and can interact with atomic nuclei in various ways, leading to nuclear fission, neutron capture, or scattering.

The primary source of neutron radiation is nuclear fission, the process where a heavy atomic nucleus splits into lighter nuclei, releasing a significant amount of energy and neutrons. This occurs in nuclear reactors and nuclear weapons. Other sources include certain radioactive isotopes that undergo spontaneous neutron emission, though this is less common. Cosmic rays, high-energy particles from outer space, also produce neutrons when they interact with the Earth's atmosphere.

Due to their lack of charge, neutrons do not interact strongly with the electron clouds of atoms, which is why they are so penetrating compared to charged particles like alpha or beta radiation. Their interaction is primarily with the nucleus, making them effective at inducing radioactivity in other materials (neutron activation) and causing damage to biological tissues.

Neutron radiation is utilized in various applications, including neutron radiography for industrial inspection, neutron activation analysis for material science and archaeology, and in cancer therapy (neutron therapy). However, handling neutron sources requires significant safety precautions due to their ionizing nature and ability to induce radioactivity. Shielding against neutrons often involves materials rich in hydrogen, such as water or polyethylene, which can slow down and absorb neutrons.