What is a gamma counter?
A device known as the Gamma counter measures gamma radiation in the sample. These counters that work on the same principle as a scintillation detector use crystals that emit light when gamma beam photons interact with them. The samples are usually placed in the test tubes, which are then placed in the machine. Gamma counters are usually used in research laboratories because most are not portable.
Gamma radiation or gamma rays is a harmful type of high energy radiation, which consists of photons of light or quantum particles. Photons are emitted as radioactive substances decaying or trying to become stable. Unlike less harmful types of radiation, gamma rays are not stopped by skin or clothing and can enter the body, damage or kill cells. Lead is generally used to protect people from the harmful effects of gamma radiation. This means that these crystals light up, or Scintillles when they come into contact with gamma radiation. The more it turns on, the more radiationsThe sample radiates. Light energy is usually converted into electricity through a photomultuctors to provide scientists with a meaningful measure.
The counter accuracy depends on the crystal used. If the radiation is low and therefore interacts little with a luminescent crystal, bright photons may not register. Conversely, if the radiation is extremely high, it can be strong enough to pass straight through the crystal without interacting enough to produce light. Strong crystals help to reduce these non -realization, so they are extremely important in high -quality gamma counter.
Modern Gamma counters can have multiple detectors and channels for samples. Machines also usually have lead shading that helps to protect scientists from radiation. Many GAMA counters are approximately the size of cash registers or copies, with a small electronic screen connected for subtraction.
existedThey also provide small gamma counters, not much larger than a square foot (0.3 m
2 ). However, even small counters are not easily transmitted, as lead shielding makes them extremely heavy despite their size. The square size counter can weigh up to £ 55 (25 kg).
The right calibration is extremely important when working with GAMA counters, because they create such accurate measurements. Many counters have internal calibration that relies on light emitting diodes. However, some older counters may have to be calibrated manually. In manual calibration, a substance with known radiation and approximately the same volume as the sample to be tested is used as a reference.