Radiation-matter interaction [SPHYM101]

Learning outcomes

This lesson gives an overview of different type of interactions between radiations and matter. Radiations can be electromagnetic radiations or energetic particles. The matter is considered under its inert or biological form. The applications discussed in this lesson are related to particle detection (gamma rays and neutrons), the study of certain detectors associated to more fundamental physics, as well as medical diagnoses and cancer treatments using radiations.  

Content

1. First part: Interaction radiation – inert matter (C. Stasser / J. Colaux, 15h-7h30)
   1. Interaction of charged particles in matter
   2. Interaction of neutral particles in matter
   3. Radiation detectors
   4. Examples
2. Second part: Interaction radiation – biological matter (S.Penninckx / S.Lucas, 15h-7h30)
   1. Introduction to radiation sources
   2. Interaction of ionizing radiation (photons, charged particles, electrons, neutrons, …) with biological matter at different levels (molecules, cells, tissues, entire organism)
   3. Biomedical applications of radiations (medical imaging, nuclear medicine, radiotherapy, sterilization, ...)
   4. Control and radioprotection

Practical works are associated to each part (2 x 7h30).

Exercises description

Inert part (C. Stasser / J. Colaux, 15h-7h30)

Chapter 1: Interaction of charged particles in matter

Chapter 2: Interaction of neutral particles in matter

Chapter 3: Radiation detectors

Chapter 4: Examples

Biological part (S. Penninckx/ S. Lucas)

Chapter 1: Introduction to radiation sources:

Chapter 2: Interaction of ionizing radiation (photons, charged particles, electrons, neutrons, …) with biological matter at different levels (molecules, cells, tissues, entire organism)

Chapter 3: Biomedical applications of radiations (medical imaging, nuclear medicine, radiotherapy, sterilization, ...)

Chapter 4: Control and radioprotection