Radiation-matter interaction

Course objectives


To know the relevant processes and magnitudes to describe describe the interaction of radiation with matter, both in the case of directly ionizing radiation (heavy and light) and the different types of indirectly ionizing radiation (photons and neutrons).

Learn how to calculate the magnitudes mentioned above and how to use programs and databases for their more precise calculation.

For this calculatiosn, the most important applications of ionizing radiation will be taken as examples.

Teaching in Scenarios 2 and 3, no change

Contents

Teaching in Scenario 1

- Radiation sources. Directly ionizing radiation: Heavy charged particle sources. Fast electron sources. Indirectly ionizing radiation: Electromagnetic radiation sources. Neutron sources.
- Interaction of directly ionizing radiation with matter. Types of interaction. Heavy particles: Stopping power, energy loss distributions, Bragg curve, straggling, ranges. Electrons: Collision and Radiation Stopping Power. Transmission curves and ranges.
- Interaction of indirectly ionizing radiations with matter. Electromagnetic radiation: Types of interaction, major and minor processes. Production and attenuation of EM radiation beams. Neutrons: Classification, interaction mechanisms and cross sections. Neutron diffusion and moderation.
- Interaction of lasers with matter. Ionizing radiation generation with non-ionizing radiations: high power lasers, laser-matter interaction, particle acceleration in plasmas.
- Interaction of intermediate and high energies radiation.
- Some examples of the use of the Interaction of Radiation with matter.

Gamma spectrometry with radiation detector
Medical applications (Dosimetry, Radiological Protection, Medical Physics)

Energy applications.

In the case of having to teach in scenario 2 or 3, the aforementioned contents will be maintained and the teaching methodology will be adapted.

Basic Bibliography

Particle Data Group.- “Review of Particle Physics; Last Edition 2020: Passage of Particles through Matter” (Rev 2019).. Edición web.
E. B. Podgorsak.- “Radiation Physics for Medical Physicists”. Springer Verlag, Heidelberg, 2ª Edición, 2010.
J.E. Turner.- “Atoms, Radiation, and Radiation Protection”. 3ª Edición, completada, revisada y ampliada.
Wiley, 1995, 2007.
Complementary bibliography

H. Nikjoo, “Interaction of radiation with matter”, CRC press (2013)
F.H. Attix.- "Introduction to Radiological Physics and Radiation Dosimetry". John Wiley & Sons, 1986.

G.F. Knoll, “Rdiation detection measurements”, John Wiley and Sons, New York (1979)

Tsoulfandis, “Measurrements and detection of radiation”, McGraw-Hill, New York (1983)

W.R. Leo, “Techniques for Nuclear and Particle Physics Experiments”, Springer-Verlag (1987)

R. D. Evans.- “The Atomic Nucleus". Reedición Ed. Krieger, N.Y. 1982.

K.S. Krane.- "Introductory Nuclear Physics". John Wiley & Sons, 1988.

X. Ortega Aramburu y J.Jorba Bisbal (Ed.).- "Las radiaciones ionizantes. Su utilización y riesgos. Vol. 1
y 2. Ediciones UPC, 1994 y 1999.

G. C. Lowental & P. L. Airey.- “The Atomic Nucleus". Reedición Ed. Krieger, N.Y. 1982.

R. L. Murray.- “Practical Applicationes of Radioactivity and Nuclear Radiations”. Cambridge Univ. Press. 2004.

Networking resources

The course uses various materials that are open to the public on the web and are maintained by national or international institutions. Students will use them continuously as databases, level schemes, physical constants, and even text material. Although the material is abundant and is communicated to them, partially through the virtual campus, students will make greater use of the following documentation centres:
http://pdg.lbl.gov
http://physics.nist.gov/cuu/index.html
http://www.iaea.org
http://www.nndc.bnl.gov

BASIC
CB6 - Possess and understand knowledge that provides a basis or opportunity to be original in the development and / or application of ideas, often in a research context
CB7 - Knowledge about how to apply the knowledge acquired and their ability to solve problems in new or unfamiliar environments within broader (or multidisciplinary) contexts related to their area of study
CB8 - Ability to integrate knowledge and face the complexity of making judgments based on information that, being incomplete or limited, includes reflections on social and ethical responsibilities linked to the application of their knowledge and judgments
CB9 - Ability to communicate conclusions and the knowledge and ultimate reasons that sustain them to specialized and non-specialized audiences in a clear and unambiguous way
CB10 - Learning skills allowing to continue studying in a way that will be largely self-directed or autonomous.

GENERAL
CG01 - Acquire the ability to perform team research work.
CG02 - Be able to analyze and synthesize.
CG03 - Acquire the ability to write texts, articles or scientific reports according to publication standards.
CG04 - Become familiar with the different modalities used to disseminate results and disseminate knowledge in scientific meetings.
CG05 - Apply knowledge to solve complex problems.

TRANSVERSAL
CT01 - Ability to interpret texts, documentation, reports and academic articles in English, scientific language par excellence.
CT02 - Develop the capacity to make responsible decisions in complex and / or responsible situations.

SPECIFIC
CE12 - Provide specialized training in the different fields covered by Fundamental Physics: from environmental physics, fluid physics or acoustics to quantum and radiation phenomena with their technological, medical applications, etc.
CE13 - Master interdisciplinary tools, both theoretical and experimental or computational, to successfully develop any research or professional activity framed in any field of Physics.

Teaching methodology

20 hours of theoretical classes using the methodology of the magistral class and 10 hours of seminars and problems in which, in addition to evaluating the learning of the different sections, the students will exercise in making calculations of the main magnitudes.
If necessary, some of the classes could be used to carry out some experimental assembly.
In the sessions dedicated to seminars and problems, the students will have to solve and expose the solutions they have obtained to to the exercises or works previously assigned to them, normally through the Virtual Campus.

Assessment system

The evaluation system will follow the following scheme

Evaluation will be continuous throughout the course.

The final grade will be mainly obtained taking into account the multiple-choice exercises carried out during the course (short exams), as well as the resolution of problems and also the presentation of projects, where appropriate.

There may also be a final examination for cases in which the acquisition of the specific competences of the subject is not clear.


In the case of fraudulent exercises or tests, the provisions of the "Regulations for the assessment of students' academic performance and the revision of qualifications" shall apply

Study time and individual work

Approximately one and a half hours of study per class session, depending on their previous training and the level of comprehension they wish to achieve.

Carry out the proposed exercises. Participate in classes.