Introduction to radiation detectors

Geiger Counter
A Geiger counter works by having radiation pass through a tube and ionizing the air. This then creates a slight path that allows for a charged pulse to go through the wire at the end of the tube. Once this pulse has traveled through, it will create a clicking sound, which is then used to measure the radiation based upon the amount of clicks. Its radiation can be read on an analog readout, and most Geiger counters are able to read gamma and beta radiation.

Scintillator Counter (muon detector)
A bit of radiation hits the material, which is then amplified in the form of light and counted by a photomultiplier, which will count the levels of radiation and read it out. This method allows us to detect the smallest forms of radiation as it is built to catch rays smaller than an electron. This also means it can detect large amounts of radiation beyond a microscopic degree.

Ionization (Ion) Chamber
This is an air filled chamber containing an electrically conductive inner wall, central anode and a relatively low voltage applied to it. When x-ray or gamma radiation interacts with the inner wall of the chamber, forming primary ion rays, a small current will be generated. This is then measured by an electric circuit and displayed by an analog circuit. To use this it must be calibrate to a traceable radiation source.

Radon Detectors
This is essentially an Ionization chamber since it contains an ionization chamber that is much smaller than the typical models. This kind of ionization chamber also allows you to detect alpha particles. However, radon detectors vary in the way they are made. It can be done by long-term exposure of CR-39 plastic with subsequent chemical etching and alpha track counting, collection of radon decay products on an air filter and counting, exposure of an electret ion chamber and read-out, or exposing a charcoal canister for several days and performing gamma spectroscopy for absorbed decay products. CR-39, or allyl diglycol carbonate (ADC), is a plastic polymer commonly used in the manufacturing of lenses. It generally depends on what it is being used for, whether it is household or occupational.

Different types of radiation

 * Alpha- two protons and two neutrons, heaviest type of radiation, unable to pass through paper, most deadly if inhaled
 * Beta- small mass, negative charge, helps with carbon dating fossils
 * Gamma- lightest, can nearly pierce lead, used in medical professions, no mass or charge, very low or very high