A History of Radiation Detection Instrumentation

Abstract

A review is presented of the history of radiation detection instrumentation. Specific radiation detection systems that are discussed include the human senses, photography, calorimetry, color dosimetry, ion chambers, electrometers, electroscopes, proportional counters, Geiger Mueller counters, scalers and rate meters, barium platinocyanide, scintillation counters, semiconductor detectors, radiophotoluminescent dosimeters, thermoluminescent dosimeters, optically stimulated luminescent dosimeters, direct ion storage, electrets, cloud chambers, bubble chambers, and bubble dosimeters. Given the broad scope of this review, the coverage is limited to a few key events in the development of a given detection system and some relevant operating principles. The occasional anecdote is included for interest.

A Passive Magnetoelastic Radiation Sensor

“…Passive radiation sensors, which must be processed in some manner after exposure to be interpreted, have been employed since the earliest investigations into radioactivity. In 1895, Wilhelm Röntgen discovered that a cardboard screen painted with barium platinocyanide displayed a green fluorescence when placed in the path of X-rays generated in a Hittorf–Crookes tube [1,2]. A short time later, Röntgen built the first passive radiation sensor by replacing the barium platinocyanide screen with a photographic plate requiring development, and then created the first medical X-ray image by capturing the bones in his wife’s hand.…”