Department of Physics

PHY 565: Radiation Detection, Instrumentation and Data Analysis

Course Information

Please note that exact details of the course can vary

Professor: Dr. Anuradha Weerakkody
Semester: Spring

Credits: 3

 Prerequisites:Permission of instructor

Catalog description: Provide the student a base knowledge of radiation detection as it pertains to radiation therapy, diagnostic imaging, and nuclear medicine.

Course Goals & Outcomes

Upon completion students are expected:

• To classify various detectors;
• To explain the physical principles of operation of various detectors;
• To describe use of the detectors;
• To review limits of detection for each detector;
• To apply principles of counting statistics and error propagation to solve the problems related to accuracy, efficiency and limitations (errors) of the detection approaches covered in the course.

Course Description

Text: Radiation and Detection. Glenn F. Knoll 4th edition (2010). ISBN: 0470131489

Supplemental Reading ;

• Introduction to Radiological Physics and Radiation Dosimetry. Frank H. Attix; (1991) ISBN: 978-0-471-01146-0
• Physics of Radiology.  Harold E. Johns and John R. Cunningham
• AAPM Task Group Reports and manuscripts relevant to course topics

Topics covered in this course include:

• Introduction, Review of Radiation Sources. Radiation Interactions, Kerma – Exposure – Dose. Counting Statistics and Error Propagation.
• General Properties of Radiation Detectors I. General Properties of Radiation Detectors II.
• Cavity Chamber Theory – I.
• Cavity Chamber Theory – II.
• Introduction, Review of Radiation Sources. Ionization Chambers I.
• Ionization Chambers II.
• Proportional Counters – I.
• Proportional Counters – II.
• Geiger-Muller Counters.
• Scintillation Detector Principles – I.
• Scintillation Detector Principles – II.
• Scintillation Detector Principles – III.
• Photomultiplier tubes
• Radiation Spectroscopy with Scintillators.
• Pulse Processing and Shaping
• Linear and Logic Pulse Functions – I.
• Linear and Logic Pulse Functions – II.
• Semi-conductor Diode Detectors – I.
• Semi-conductor Diode Detectors – II
• Germanium Gamma Ray Detectors. Film.
• Thermoluminescent Dosimeters – I.
• Thermoluminescent Dosimeters – II.

Contact Information: Dr.Michael Antosh