Ionization Chambers
Types of Radiations
Nuclear Detectors (continued…)
Compares ionizing power of the radiations
Counts charged particles
Detects charged particles
Insulator
Amplifier
How do Ionizing Chambers work?
The Basic Setup: An ionization chamber consists of
a gas-filled chamber with two electrodes - an anode
and a cathode. These electrodes can be parallel
plates or a cylindrical design with a central wire
acting as the anode.
The Magic of Voltage: A voltage potential is applied
between the electrodes, creating an electric field
within the chamber.
Radiation Impact: When ionizing radiation enters
the chamber, it interacts with the gas molecules,
knocking out electrons and creating ion pairs
(positive ions and free electrons).
Voltage supply
The Current Flow:
● The electric field separates the
ion pairs. Positive ions drift
towards the cathode, while
electrons move towards the
anode.
● This movement of ions and
electrons constitutes a small
electric current. The magnitude
of this current is proportional to
the intensity of the ionizing
radiation.
Briefing
Principle working of ionization chambers
● The kinetic energy of the charged particles or rather the radiations
ionize the atoms in the gas chamber.
● At a particular range of applied external voltage (typically 1-
100)V, recombination takes place. ie. ions return back to neutral
atoms as the pd is not sufficient to attract all electrons from the
ionization process
Principle working of a Ionization radiation counter
Ionization chamber
and gas chamber?
Difference….
● Same system where ionization chamber
region covers a partial region of the
larger variation of
● Voltage sufficient enough to prevent
recombination
● Voltage not great enough to commence
secondary radiation ionization
Radiation type results…
Alpha particle: Gamma radiation:
● Heavier and carries a larger charge compared to ● High-energy photon with no mass and no electrical
gamma radiation (photon). charge.
● Interacts more frequently with gas atoms in the ● Interacts with gas atoms less frequently due to its
chamber due to its mass and charge. lack of mass and charge.
● Interacts primarily through photoelectric effect,
● Transfers a significant amount of its energy to the
Compton scattering, or pair production. These
gas atom, causing more ion pairs (free electrons
interactions can ionize atoms, but they are less likely
and positive ions) to be created per interaction.
to happen compared to alpha particle interactions
and create fewer ion pairs per interaction.
Applications
Industrial Applications: Scientific Research:
● Level measurement: In industrial processes, they can ● Radioisotope dating: Ionization chambers are
be used to measure the level of liquids or bulk solids in used in conjunction with radioactive sources to
containers by detecting the attenuation of radiation determine the age of objects based on the decay
of radioactive isotopes.
passing through the material.
● Particle physics experiments: They play a role
in detecting and measuring various particles
Environmental Monitoring:
produced in high-energy particle accelerators.
● Environmental radiation monitoring: Chambers are
used to monitor background radiation levels and detect
potential radioactive contamination in the environment.
Limitations
Limitations to Consider:
● Limited resolution: Ionization chambers struggle to distinguish between individual radiation events when the
radiation intensity is high. This is because the resulting current represents the combined effect of many ionizing
events happening very close together. This limits their ability to precisely count individual particles at high
radiation levels.
● No particle type differentiation: As mentioned earlier, standard chambers don't differentiate between radiation
types. The measured current simply reflects the total ionization produced, regardless of the particle that caused it.
Possible Scenarios
Many Low-Energy Ionizing Particles: This is a more likely scenario. Gamma rays are a common type of
radiation and they can penetrate deep into the chamber volume, interacting with many gas molecules
throughout. If there's a source emitting a large number of gamma rays, this will create a significant number of
ion pairs and a high current.
Fewer High-Energy Ionizing Particles: Alpha particles create significantly more ion pairs per interaction
compared to gamma rays. However, they also have very poor penetration depth and can be stopped by a thin
layer of material or even air. So, for alpha particles to contribute to a high current, they would need to be
present in a very high number right next to the detection chamber's window or be produced within the
chamber itself (e.g., from radioactive decay of a contaminant inside the chamber). This is less likely than
many gamma rays being present.
Which gasses?..
Type of radiation being detected: Different gases have varying sensitivities to different types of radiation. For example,
heavier gases like argon or xenon are more efficient at detecting high-energy gamma rays, while lighter gases like
methane or helium might be preferred for alpha particles.
Desired chamber properties: Some factors to consider include:
● Efficiency: The gas should efficiently create ion pairs upon interaction with radiation for good signal strength.
● Stability: The gas should be chemically stable and not react with the electrodes or chamber walls over time.
● Availability and Cost: Some gases like noble gases can be expensive, while common gases like air might be
more readily available and cost-effective for certain applications.
…
Noble Gases (e.g., Argon, Xenon): Specific Gas Mixtures:
● Pros: High atomic number for efficient interaction ● Customized mixtures can be used to optimize for
with high-energy gamma rays, stable and long- specific radiation types or desired chamber
lasting. properties. For example, adding a quenching gas
● Cons: Can be expensive. like methane can help prevent unwanted gas
amplification within the chamber.
Thank you!
