OTHER DETECTION DEVICES

Another common device used for detection and measurement is the ionization chamber. The Geiger counter, survey meter, and personal dosimeters work on the basis of the ionization chamber. The principle operation of an ionization chamber is that it will produce an electric current in the presence of a radioactive source. Ionization chambers consist of tubes filled with gas, such as argon. When radiation enters the tube and interacts with the gas, it removes electrons from the gas. The gas atoms become positively charged ions, and the free electrons move through the gas to a wire in the tube, setting up a current. The current is commonly amplified and sent to a recording or counting device. This in response may produce a flash of light, ticking sounds, or an analog readout. Ionization chambers are capable of measuring the amount of radiation by means of measuring the amount of current produced.

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