| Code |
14928
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| Year |
3
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| Semester |
S2
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| ECTS Credits |
6
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| Workload |
PL(30H)/TP(30H)
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| Scientific area |
Physics
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Entry requirements |
None
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Learning outcomes |
Study the fundamentals of radiation physics, necessary for understanding various modern techniques of spectroscopy and/or imaging, such as X-ray and gamma ray techniques, radioisotope techniques, charged particles techniques (electrons/positrons, heavy charged particles), neutron techniques and the protection against ionizing radiations.
At the end of the UC the student should be able to:
i) rigorously explain the concepts, laws and principles of X-ray physics, gamma ray physics, radioisotope physics, charged particles and neutrons physics;
ii) solve and discuss intermediate-level problems in the above-mentioned areas with emphasis on the interaction processes of radiation with matter and detection of radiation;
(iii) develop experimental techniques to implement experiments of interaction of X-rays, gamma rays and charged particles with matter, detection and measurement of ionizing radiation, as well as analyze, interpret and present experimental results with scientific rigor.
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Syllabus |
1. Sources of radiation
1.1 X-ray sources: atomic structure, X-ray tubes
1.2 Radioisotopes: nuclear structure, nuclear instability, decay processes
1.3 Sources of neutrons: spontaneous fission, nuclear reactions, nuclear reactors
1.4 Accelerators, cyclotrons, synchrotrons
2. Interaction of radiation with matter
2.1 Basics of radiation interaction
2.2 Interaction of heavy charged particles
2.3 Interaction of electrons and positrons
2.4 Interaction of X-rays and gamma rays
2.5 Interaction of neutrons
3. Radiation counting statistics and data analysis methods
3.1 Statistical models and probability distributions
3.2 Measurement errors
3.3 Sampling and estimation of parameters
3.4 Propagation of errors
3.5 Curve fitting
4. Radiation detectors
4.1 Principle of operation and general properties
4.2 Ionization detectors
4.3 Scintillation Detectors
4.4 Semiconductor detectors
4.5 Radiation spectroscopy: X- and gamma-ray spectroscopy, charged particles spectroscopy
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Main Bibliography |
1. Krane KS (1988). Introductory Nuclear Physics. John Wiley & Sons
2. Knoll GF (2010). Radiation Detection and Measurement, 4th ed. John Wiley & Sons
3. Leo WR (1994). Techniques for Nuclear and Particle Physics Experiments, 2nd ed. Springer-Verlag
4. Podgorsak EB (2010). Radiation Physics for Medical Physicists, 2nd ed. Springer-Verlag
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Teaching Methodologies and Assessment Criteria |
Theoretical-practical classes (TP) of oral exposition using audiovisual means. The classes are accompanied by the resolution of application-type problems and by the discussion of the obtained results.
In practical laboratory classes (PL) students: i. carry out proposed practical work, including application exercises and the use of databases dedicated to radioactive decay and the interaction of radiation with matter; ii. perform laboratory experiments using various radiation sources and various radiation detection and data acquisition systems.
Final assessment of the UC will consist of a specific component, and a continuous component, which includes two items:
1. Realization of a written test (40%),
2. Realization of laboratory works, including reports (30%);
3. Realization of practical works and discussion of results (30%).
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Language |
Portuguese. Tutorial support is available in English.
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