Radiodetection

Radiodetection is the measurement, characterization, and interpretation of radiation using detectors to determine whether radiation is present, its intensity, energy, and, in some cases, its source. In practice, radiodetection covers ionizing radiation produced by radioactive materials as well as non-ionizing radiation, depending on the instrumentation and application.

Detectors used in radiodetection vary by the type of radiation and the information sought. Gas-filled detectors, such as Geiger–Müller tubes and proportional counters, respond to ionization events in a gas and are commonly used for survey measurements and contamination checks. Scintillation detectors employ scintillating materials that emit light when struck by radiation, with the light converted to an electrical signal by photomultiplier tubes or photodiodes; these are used for spectroscopy and high-sensitivity measurements. Semiconductor detectors, including silicon and germanium devices, provide high-resolution energy spectra for detailed analysis. Dosimetry instruments measure accumulated dose or dose rate and are used for occupational monitoring and patient exposure assessments. Calorimeters and other specialized detectors are used in research settings.

Common measurement quantities include counts per second, activity (becquerels), exposure (coulombs per kilogram), absorbed dose (gray), and dose equivalent (sievert). Energy spectra and spatial distribution can be mapped with appropriate detectors and imaging systems.

Applications span medicine (imaging and radiotherapy), nuclear power and waste management, environmental monitoring, industrial radiography, and security. Proper radiodetection relies on calibration against known radiation standards, traceability to national metrology institutes, and adherence to safety regulations and quality assurance practices.