OVERVIEW

The class explores aspects of the physics of ionizing radiation that find application in medical physics, environmental  studies and in archaeometry

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

To provide students with an overview of the applications of nuclear physics techniques in various fields of work, ranging from technology to health, environment and art.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

To provide the student with the essential elements to pursue a career in medical, environmental and cultural heritage; especially for the issues related to the physics of ionizing radiation

PREREQUISITES

none

TEACHING METHODS

the class is mainly based on classroom lectures.
Two laboratory trainings bring the student closer to the typical instrumentation related to ionizing radiation and spectrometric techniques

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Dosimetry of ionizing radiation. Biological effects of radiation, dosimetric units (Exposure, Dose, Equivalent Dose), dosimetric measurements, cavity theory, outline of radiation protection legislation. Shielding. Calculation of shielding for α, β, γ, X and neutron radiation: point-like and extended sources, build-up. Shielding of large installations. The Monte Carlo method. Spectrometric chains. Detectors for α, β, γ, X and n used in the applied physics, electronic chains for spectrometric measurements, tissue-equivalent fchambers, portable detectors for environmental inspections, radioactive contamination measurements. Medical physics: X-ray and tomography, SPECT, PET and NMR diagnostics, radiotherapy and hadrontherapy, Dating techniques: Dating with 14C and other isotopes, thermoluminescence. Physical principles of the  methods, sensitivity, calibration, typical instrumentation, application examples. Artificial sources of radiation. Principles of operation of accelerators: cyclotron, electrostatic accelerator, tandem . Synchrotron light. Neutron production. Materials analysis techniques. Neutron activation and analysis with beams of ions and photons: physical principles of the different methods, sensitivity, typical instrumentation, examples of application .

Laboratory. training on α and γ spectrometry: calibration of a spectrometric chain for quantitative measurements, analysis of environmental samples.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Book-texts on specific topics will be indicated during the class

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

PAOLO PRATI (President)

PIETRO CORVISIERO

FABRIZIO LEVRERO

MAURO GINO TAIUTI

LESSONS

LESSONS START

second semester, the timetable will be announced at the beginning of 2019

Class schedule

APPLIED NUCLEAR PHYSICS

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Oral. The student can discuss a scientific article chosen by him and then answer questions related to the class program

ASSESSMENT METHODS

During the oral exame, the commission, made up of the teachers the class, will formulate questions in order to assess the degree of preparation of the student and his ability to critically discuss the contents of the class. His synthesis and communication skills will also be evaluated.

Exam schedule

FURTHER INFORMATION

more information at the site: https://www.ge.infn.it/~prati/Fisica%20Nucleare%20Applicata/FNA.htm

(partially under revision)