Säteilymittari

Säteilymittari is a Finnish term that translates to radiation meter or radiation detector in English. It refers to an instrument used to detect and measure ionizing radiation. These devices are crucial for a variety of applications, including nuclear safety, environmental monitoring, medical imaging, and research.

There are several types of radiation detectors, each with its own operating principle and sensitivity to different types of radiation like alpha particles, beta particles, gamma rays, and neutrons. Common examples include Geiger-Müller counters, scintillation detectors, and semiconductor detectors. A Geiger-Müller counter, for instance, uses a gas-filled tube that ionizes when radiation passes through it, creating an electrical pulse that can be counted. Scintillation detectors utilize materials that emit light when struck by radiation, and this light is then converted into an electrical signal. Semiconductor detectors rely on the creation of electron-hole pairs in a semiconductor material.

The measurement unit for radiation is typically the Sievert (Sv) or its sub-unit, the millisievert (mSv), which quantifies the biological effect of radiation. Other units like the Gray (Gy) measure absorbed dose. Säteilymittarit are calibrated to provide readings in these standard units, allowing for consistent and comparable measurements. Their proper use and calibration are essential for ensuring accurate assessments of radiation levels and for implementing necessary safety precautions.