= Radiation detection
<Radiation detection> makes interactions of <ionizing radiation> with matter into observable signals. An <ionization chamber> collects charge created in a gas; a scintillation detector converts deposited <energy> into light; a <semiconductor detector> measures charge carriers created in a solid. The instrument detects interactions, so its response depends on radiation type, energy and geometry.
For an ideal counting model, expected detected events satisfy $N=\varepsilon Rt$, where $R$ is the relevant incident event rate, $t$ is observation time and $\varepsilon$ is detection efficiency. Background adds counts, while dead time can lose them. Estimating a source's <radioactive activity> therefore requires calibration and a model of emissions and transport, rather than equating the displayed count rate with decay rate.
Back to article page
