Particle radiation

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Particle radiation is the radiation of energy by means of fast-moving subatomic particles. Particle radiation is referred to as a particle beam if the particles are all moving in the same direction, similar to a light beam.

Due to the wave–particle duality, all moving particles also have wave character. Higher energy particles more easily exhibit particle characteristics, while lower energy particles more easily exhibit wave characteristics.

Types and production

Particles can be electrically charged or uncharged:

Particle radiation can be emitted by an unstable atomic nucleus (via radioactive decay), or it can be produced from some other kind of nuclear reaction. Many types of particles may be emitted:

Mechanisms that produce particle radiation include:

Charged particles (

HZE ions, etc.) can be produced by particle accelerators. Ion irradiation is widely used in the semiconductor industry to introduce dopants
into materials, a method known as ion implantation.

Particle accelerators can also produce neutrino beams. Neutron beams are mostly produced by nuclear reactors.

Passage through matter

Graphic showing relationships between radioactivity and detected ionizing radiation

In

ionization energy of a typical substance, i.e., a few eV
, and interacts with electrons significantly.

According to the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection, electromagnetic radiations from ultraviolet to infrared, to radiofrequency (including microwave) radiation, static and time-varying electric and magnetic fields, and ultrasound belong to the non-ionizing radiations.[2]

The charged particles mentioned above all belong to the ionizing radiations. When passing through matter, they

Bragg Peak, shortly before the energy drops to zero.[1]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "ionizing radiation | Definition, Sources, Types, Effects, & Facts". Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved 27 February 2021.
  2. ^ "ICNIRP | Frequencies". www.icnirp.org. Retrieved 27 February 2021.

External links