Principles of radiation physics

The fundamentals of the physics of the interaction of radiation with matter is viewed from two angles in the book. What happens to a) radiation after this interaction and b) matter after this interaction. The transport of radiation in matter provides a link to these two aspects. The topic is treated as an integral part of modern physics and is connected to other fields, such as nuclear, atomic, and molecular, condensed matter, and statistical physics. Based on the emphasis of the book, it is particularly suitable as an advanced textbook or supplementary textbook for graduate physics students and technicians working with applications of the field.

Part 1. Problems of the First Kind: What Happens to Radiation During Interactions with Matter? Photons. Photoabsorption, Compton effect, pair production. Dielectric-Response Spectrum . Dispersion Theory, Oscillator Strength Spectrum, Sum Rules. Electrons and Positrons. Fundamental Importance of Electrons and why. The Rutherford Cross Section, the Mott and Möller Cross Sections. The Bethe Cross Section. Generalized Oscillator Strength. Electrons and Positrons at Relativistic Speeds. Relativistic Speeds. Fermi Density Effect. Bremsstrahlung. Electrons and Positrons at Low Energies. Electronic-Excitation Domain. Thermal Domain. Protons, Deuterons, Alpha Particles, and Mesons. Heavier Ions. Neutrons. Internal Radioactive Nuclides. Part 2. Radiation Transport in Matter. Transport Analysis. Fluence, Stopping Power, Ranges, LET, Microdosimetry, Absorbed Dose, Dose Rate, Dose Fractionation. Transport Equations and Monte Carlo Simulations. Mechanisms of Radiation Actions on Matter Spectra of Energy Transfer, Spectra of Initial Products in a Single Event. Initial Versus Secondary Processes, Time Scale. Spatial Distribution of Initial Products. Part 3. Problems of the Second Kind: What Happens to Matter After Interactions with Radiation? Atoms. Molecules. Metals. Semiconductors. Molecular solids and liquids. Part 4. Brief Survey of Applications. Radiation Sources. Radiation Detectors and Dosimetry. Radiation Used as a Tool for Visualization Microscopy, Macroprobing, Diagnosis, Imaging. Radiation Chemistry and Processing. Plasma Physics and Chemistry. Aeronomy, Space Research, and Astronomy. Radiation Biology and Medicine. Radiation Protection. Appendices.