neutronisäteilyt

Neutronisäteilyt refers to electromagnetic radiation in the neutron energy range. It is a form of ionizing radiation consisting of free neutrons. Neutrons are subatomic particles with no electric charge and a mass slightly greater than that of a proton. They are typically produced in nuclear reactions, such as nuclear fission or fusion, or through the decay of certain radioactive isotopes.

Unlike charged particles such as alpha or beta particles, neutrons do not interact with matter through electromagnetic forces. Instead, they interact via the strong nuclear force. This means they can penetrate deeply into materials, making them highly penetrating radiation. Their interaction with matter often results in the scattering of neutrons or their absorption by atomic nuclei, which can induce radioactivity in the absorbing material. This process is known as neutron activation.

Neutron radiation has various applications, including in nuclear power generation, medical imaging and therapy, and materials science research. However, due to its penetrating nature and ability to induce radioactivity, neutron radiation also poses significant health hazards. Shielding against neutrons typically requires materials rich in hydrogen, such as water or polyethylene, or materials that can effectively capture neutrons, like boron or cadmium. The detection of neutron radiation requires specialized instruments that can register the interactions of neutrons with detector materials.