Remote Compositional Analysis


Book Description

Comprehensive overview of the spectroscopic, mineralogical, and geochemical techniques used in planetary remote sensing.




Radiation Source Use and Replacement


Book Description

In the United States there are several thousand devices containing high-activity radiation sources licensed for use in areas ranging from medical uses such as cancer therapy to safety uses such as testing of structures and industrial equipment. Those radiation sources are licensed by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and state agencies. Concerns have been raised about the safety and security of the radiation sources, particularly amid fears that they could be used to create dirty bombs, or radiological dispersal device (RDD). In response to a request from Congress, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission asked the National Research Council to conduct a study to review the uses of high-risk radiation sources and the feasibility of replacing them with lower risk alternatives. The study concludes that the U.S. government should consider factors such as potential economic consequences of misuse of the radiation sources into its assessments of risk. Although the committee found that replacements of most sources are possible, it is not economically feasible in some cases. The committee recommends that the U.S. government take steps to in the near term to replace radioactive cesium chloride radiation sources, a potential "dirty bomb" ingredient used in some medical and research equipment, with lower-risk alternatives. The committee further recommends that longer term efforts be undertaken to replace other sources. The book presents a number of options for making those replacements.




Use of Gamma Radiation Techniques in Peaceful Applications


Book Description

This book deals with gamma radiation in many fields, which encompasses diverse factors that affect human and animal life inside an environment. These fields include nuclear and medical physics, industrial processes, environmental sciences, radiation biology, radiation chemistry, radiotherapy, agriculture and forestry, sterilization, the food industry, and so on. The book covers an overview of gamma background radiations and measurements, radioactive decay, radioecological applications in environmental gamma dosimetry, gamma-ray interaction, monocolor gamma, influence of gamma radiation on dynamical mechanical properties, influence of low-dose gamma irradiation treatments on microbial decontamination, gamma-ray ionization enhancement in tissues, gas-filled surge arresters, modeling plastic deformation located in irradiated materials, radiotherapy, application of radiation and genetic engineering techniques, and gamma-ray measurements using unmanned aerial systems. This book is expected to benefit undergraduate and postgraduate students, researchers, teachers, practitioners, policy makers, and every individual who has a concern for a healthy life.




Adverse Reproductive Outcomes in Families of Atomic Veterans


Book Description

Over the past several decades, public concern over exposure to ionizing radiation has increased. This concern has manifested itself in different ways depending on the perception of risk to different individuals and different groups and the circumstances of their exposure. One such group are those U.S. servicemen (the "Atomic Veterans" who participated in the atmospheric testing of nuclear weapons at the Nevada Test Site or in the Pacific Proving Grounds, who served with occupation forces in or near Hiroshima and Nagasaki, or who were prisoners of war in or near those cities at the time of, or shortly after, the atomic bombings. This book addresses the feasibility of conducting an epidemiologic study to determine if there is an increased risk of adverse reproductive outcomes in the spouses, children, and grandchildren of the Atomic Veterans.




Gamma Rays


Book Description

Gamma-rays originate from the decay of excited states of the atomic nuclei in a similar manner as the visible light originates from the decay of the atom itself. Gamma rays belong to the class of ionizing radiation, together with alpha rays (doubly ionized atoms of helium) and beta rays (electrons). The spectroscopy of gamma rays, having the unique feature that by photo-effect transform their total energy to the energy of electrons in the detection material, contributed decisively to the establishing of the decay schemes of atomic nuclei. Strong sources of gamma radiation are widely used in contemporary technologies for cancer treatment, material modification, medical imaging, and food sterilization. The main goal of this book is to present to the non-specialist reader the contemporary applications of gamma rays by selected chapters on that issue. This book has 16 selected chapters from basic application of gamma rays to applied issues like food sterilization and polymer modification.




Medical Imaging Systems


Book Description

This open access book gives a complete and comprehensive introduction to the fields of medical imaging systems, as designed for a broad range of applications. The authors of the book first explain the foundations of system theory and image processing, before highlighting several modalities in a dedicated chapter. The initial focus is on modalities that are closely related to traditional camera systems such as endoscopy and microscopy. This is followed by more complex image formation processes: magnetic resonance imaging, X-ray projection imaging, computed tomography, X-ray phase-contrast imaging, nuclear imaging, ultrasound, and optical coherence tomography.







Radiation Detection for Nuclear Physics


Book Description

Radiation detection is key to experimental nuclear physics as well as underpinning a wide range of applications in nuclear decommissioning, homeland security and medical imaging. This book presents the state-of-the-art in radiation detection of light and heavy ions, beta particles, gamma rays and neutrons. The underpinning physics of different detector technologies is presented, and their performance is compared and contrasted. Detector technology likely to be encountered in contemporary international laboratories is also emphasized. There is a strong focus on experimental design and mapping detector technology to the needs of a particular measurement problem. This book will be invaluable to PhD students in experimental nuclear physics and nuclear technology, as well as undergraduate students encountering projects based on radiation detection for the first time. Key Features Provides clear, concise descriptions of key detection techniques Describes detector types with "telescopic depth", so readers can go as deep as they wish Covers real-world applications including short case studies in industry







Handbook of Radioactivity Analysis


Book Description

Handbook of Radioactivity Analysis: Radiation Physics and Detectors, Volume One, and Radioanalytical Applications, Volume Two, Fourth Edition, constitute an authoritative reference on the principles, practical techniques and procedures for the accurate measurement of radioactivity - everything from the very low levels encountered in the environment, to higher levels measured in radioisotope research, clinical laboratories, biological sciences, radionuclide standardization, nuclear medicine, nuclear power, and fuel cycle facilities, and in the implementation of nuclear forensic analysis and nuclear safeguards. It includes sample preparation techniques for all types of matrices found in the environment, including soil, water, air, plant matter and animal tissue, and surface swipes.Users will find the latest advances in the applications of radioactivity analysis across various fields, including environmental monitoring, radiochemical standardization, high-resolution beta imaging, automated radiochemical separation, nuclear forensics, and more. - Spans two volumes, Radiation Physics and Detectors and Radioanalytical Applications - Includes a new chapter on the analysis of environmental radionuclides - Provides the latest advances in the applications of liquid and solid scintillation analysis, alpha- and gamma spectrometry, mass spectrometric analysis, Cherenkov counting, flow-cell radionuclide analysis, radionuclide standardization, aerosol analysis, high-resolution beta imaging techniques, analytical techniques in nuclear forensics, and nuclear safeguards - Describes the timesaving techniques of computer-controlled automatic separation and activity analysis of radionuclides - Provides an extensive table of the radiation characteristics of most radionuclides of interest for the radioanalytical chemist