Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title PRINCIPLES OF RADIATION DETECTION
Code PHYS802
Coordinator Dr ES Paul
Physics
E.S.Paul@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2021-22 Level 7 FHEQ Whole Session 7.5

Aims

To briefly cover the principles involved in a wide range of detectors and detection techniques.

Experience the practical use of examples of all types of detectors.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Knowledge of the interaction of radiation with materials

(LO2) Knowledge of gas, scintillation, semiconductor and neutron detectors

(LO3) Practical experience of the use of alpha, beta, gamma and neutron detectors

(S1) Problem solving skills


Syllabus

 

1
A model detector: charge production, charge collection, plateau. Pulse and mode current. Spectrometry and energy resolution. Efficiency of detection and dead time.

Gas detectors: ion chambers, proportional counter and GM-counter.

Scintillation detectors: Organic materials; liquid scintillation, plastic scintillators. Inorganic materials: NaI(T1), CsI(T1), ZnS, BGO.

Semiconductor detectors: Band structure, n and p type material. Ge detectors for gamma and X-rays. Si detectors for alpha, heavy ions. New materials CdTe and CdZnTe.

Neutron detectors: Nuclear reactions, 10B, 6Li, 3He, fission. Self-powered detectors. Neutron interrogation, Cerenkov detectors, photographic methods, track detectors, thermoluminescence, mass spectrometry.


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description:
Teaching Method 2 - Laboratory Work
Description:


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 11

    20

    31
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 44
TOTAL HOURS 75

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Assessment 2 There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :n/a  1 hour    33       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Assessment 1 There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :n/a      67       

Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.