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 LJ Harkness-Brennan
Physics
Laura.Harkness@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2017-18 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
Knowledge of the interaction of radiation with materials
Knowledge of gas, scintillation, semiconductor and neutron detectors

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

Syllabus
1  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

Lecture -

Laboratory Work -


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
Unseen Written Exam  1 hour  n/a  33  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Assessment 2 Notes (applying to all assessments) Practicals during module Test during module  
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Practical Assessment    n/a  67  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Assessment 1 

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.
Explanation of Reading List: