Geiger counter

Geiger Counter

A Geiger counter is a type of particle detector that measures ionizing radiation. It was named after its inventors, Hans Geiger and Walther Müller, who developed the device in 1928. The Geiger counter is used to detect and measure different types of radiation, including alpha, beta, and gamma radiation.

History

The Geiger counter was first developed by Hans Geiger in 1908, but it was not until 1928 that he and Walther Müller improved the device to its modern form. The original device was only capable of detecting alpha particles, but the improved version could detect beta and gamma radiation as well.

Design and Function

The Geiger counter consists of a Geiger-Müller tube, which is filled with an inert gas such as helium, neon, or argon at low pressure, and a visual and audio readout. When ionizing radiation passes through the tube, it ionizes the gas, causing a brief pulse of current. This current is then amplified and displayed on the readout.

Uses

Geiger counters are used in a variety of fields, including nuclear physics, health physics, radiological protection, experimental physics, and the nuclear industry. They are also used by hobbyists for detecting radiation in the environment.

Limitations

While Geiger counters are useful for detecting the presence of radiation, they cannot identify the type of radiation or its energy, which are important for determining the radiation's source and potential harm. Other types of detectors, such as scintillation counters or dosimeters, are needed for these purposes.

See Also

• Ionizing radiation
• Radiation protection
• Nuclear physics
• Health physics

References

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