Fundamentals of Radiation Physics for Medical Diagnostics

This book unravels the fundamentals of radiation physics, from understanding how radiation interacts with matter to mastering detection technologies and dosimetry. It begins with an exploration of energy loss mechanisms using the Bethe-Bloch formula and the Bragg curve to explain how charged particles deposit energy, essential for applications like proton therapy and radiation shielding. It then dives into radiation detection technologies, covering gas-filled, scintillation, and semiconductor detectors, along with specialized neutron detection methods. Finally, this book breaks down dosimetry, explaining how radiation doses are measured, absorbed, and managed both internally and externally using essential tools like film badges, thermos luminescent dosimeters (TLDs), and pocket dosimeters. This resource equips readers with a well-rounded understanding of radiation’s behavior, measurement, and practical applications across science, medicine, and industry.