by P Theodórsson (Univ. Iceland)

Table of Contents (626k)
Preface (106k)
Chapter 1: Low-level counting (210k)

This book is intended for scientists engaged in the measurement of weak alpha, beta, and gamma active samples; in health physics, environmental control, nuclear geophysics, tracer work, radiocarbon dating etc. It describes the underlying principles of radiation measurement and the detectors used. It also covers the sources of background, analyzes their effect on the detector and discusses economic ways to reduce the background. The most important types of low-level counting systems and the measurement of some of the more important radioisotopes are described here. In cases where more than one type can be used, the selection of the most suitable system is shown.

• Low-Level Counting
• History
• Atomic Nuclei and Binding Energy
• Radioactivity
• Interaction of Radiation with Matter
• Our Natural Radioactive Environment
• Cosmic Rays
• Radiation Detectors
• Background: Sources and Components
• Measurement of Contamination
• Background Reduction
• Germanium Spectrometers
• Gas Proportional Counter Systems
• Liquid Scintillation Counting Systems
• Other Low-Level Counting Systems
• Non-Radiometric Methods and Neutron Activation Analysis
• Important Applications of Low-Level Counting
• Statistics
• References: Physical Constants and Conversion Factors
• Periodic Table of Elements