Home / Topics / Atomic & Nuclear Physics
Radiation detection
Intermediate
Geiger counter, scintillators and cloud chambers.
Geiger–Müller tubes count ionisation pulses; scintillators convert radiation into flashes of light; cloud and bubble chambers show tracks; semiconductor detectors give energy.
Geiger counter clicks.
Different detectors suit different radiation types.
In more detail
Radiation detectors include Geiger-Müller tubes, scintillators and semiconductor detectors. Each detects ionising radiation by producing an electrical signal or flash of light.
Real-world uses
- Geiger counters detect radiation in labs and environmental monitoring.
- Scintillators are used in medical imaging and security scanners.
- Hospitals and laboratories use Geiger counters to measure radiation levels in areas where it may be present.
Open the interactive lesson, with simulation and quiz →
Frequently asked questions
How does a Geiger counter work?
Ionising particles create avalanches in a gas, producing a pulse of current.
Which detector is most accurate?
It depends on the application, with semiconductor detectors giving high energy resolution.
How does a Geiger counter work?
Radiation ionises gas in a tube, creating a pulse of current that is counted as a click.
Related topics in Atomic & Nuclear Physics
Fusion reactors · Neutron discovery · Neutrinos · Interaction of radiation with matter · Radiation units · Biological effects of radiation