Interactions of Ionizing Radiation with Matter

Course overview

This course reviews the Interactions of Ionizing Radiation with Matter. It covers all varieties of radiation, both photons and particles. Included are Bremsstrahlung radiation produced by beta particles (plus and minus) along with an explanation of how these rX-rays are formed, their clinical utility, and a diagram illustrating the interaction. It also describes the photoelectric effect, along with a diagram explaining how the PE works and presents an equation that explains the energy balance between the incoming photon, the exiting electron, and the binding energy. in addition, it explains the dependence of Photoelectric effect upon atomic number of the absorber and the photon energy. Internal conversion is also covered, as is the Compton Effect. Included is a discussion about the type of collision involved regarding elasticity. The equation for Compton Effect energy balance is presented. Finally, there is a discussion of Pair Production, how the process works, and how each of these two particles gives up its energy