Abstract
All nuclear reactions are associated with the emission of radiation. This radiation contributes in part to the release of nuclear energy by interacting with materials in the reactor core, and more generally, poses problems of radioprotection. Similarly, a large number of particles is created during operation of the reactor, in particular, charged particles such as α particles, as well as electrons and positrons as a result of β radioactivity. All of these particles interact with matter and release energy that contributes to the thermal balance of the pile. They also pose radioprotection problems for staff and can damage the reactor structures through the cumulative effects of collision. In this chapter, we examine the fundamentals needed to understand the phenomena of interaction between charged particles and matter.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Notes
- 1.
Concerning polarization, see (Filippi 1965, p. 101) and the work of the French physicist Etienne Malus (1808).
- 2.
An illustration is provided by way of the x-ray applications used by the Department of Military Applications of CEA described in the journal CHOCS No 9 (December 1993). For the technical aspect of sensors, see Samueli et al. (1968).
- 3.
Heinrich Rudolf Hertz (1857–1894) was a German physicist known for his work on electromagnetic radiation, including light. Born into a comfortably-off family in Hamburg, at the age of 6 years he entered the demanding School of Dr. Richard Lange. In 1872, he entered the prestigious Johanneum Gymnasium and obtained the Abitur in 1875. He then entered a construction engineering school but after reflection, signed up in for the University of Munich, where his mathematics teacher, Von Jolly, introduced him to the rigor of mathematics. He then studied under Von Helmholtz and de Kirchhoff in Berlin. Thanks to Von Helmholtz’s training, he was awarded the gold medal of the Faculty of Philosophy for a study on electrical inertia. He defended his thesis on electrical induction: Über die induction in rotirenden kugeln (On the induction of rotating balls) in February 1880. He analyzed the problem of contact between two elastically and linearly deformable balls, a problem known as Hertzian contact stress. He then worked for 3 years as assistant to Von Helmholtz. He obtained a teaching position in Kiel for 2 years, after which he moved to Karlsruhe to become the assistant of future Nobel prizewinner, Karl Ferdinand Braun, and it was here that he carried out studies to verify that light is indeed a form of electromagnetic radiation. On November 13, 1886, he created the first wireless link using electromagnetic radiation produced by an oscillator and showed that these waves also travel at the speed of light. In 1887, he turned his attention to the photoelectric effect discovered empirically by Antoine Becquerel, but he is rightly considered to be the principal investigator in this field. These experiments, then those of his assistant, Wilhelm Hallwachs, are central to Einstein’s theory of quanta of light and that of the photoelectric effect (initially known as the Hallwachs effekt). He died at a mere 37 years through septicemia that was doubtless caused by recurrent mastoiditis, before he had time to understand the significance of his experimental discoveries [Sources: article by R. Haidar in Photoniques No 56, pp. 21–23 (2011), “Heinrich Hertz, a Short Life” by Charles Susskind, San Francisco Press (1995)] (Public domain and the Marguet collection).
Heinrich Hertz
- 4.
The term “photon” is derived from the Greek word for light. It was first used in 1926 by chemist Gilbert N. Lewis (1875–1946) in a theory. Although the theory was not confirmed, the term itself was immediately adopted by the scientific community.
- 5.
William Henry Bragg was the father of William Laurence Bragg , cited earlier, with whom he shared the 1915 Nobel Prize in Physics “for their services in the analysis of crystal structure by means of X-rays.”
- 6.
Arthur Holly Compton (1892–1962) was an American physicist who obtained his doctorate in physics from the University of Princeton in 1916. He worked and taught at various universities, including Chicago (1923–1945), then Saint-Louis (1945–1961). His experimental and theoretical work on x-rays was considerable, earning him the 1927 Nobel Prize in Physics for discovery of the effect that bears his name.
(the Marguet collection)
- 7.
There is an amusing anecdote about the fine structure constant. A journalist was interviewing Enrico Fermi one day and wished to take a photograph of the Master. In order to make the pose more credible, he asked Fermi to pretend to be writing an equation on the blackboard. Fermi played along graciously, but feeling uninspired, he wrote the formula for fine structure with the numerator and the nominator reversed and he mischievously mixed up the units α = ℏ 2/ec ! The picture incorporated this error in backstage, and we see Fermi smiling and drawing a vague geometric figure in which he inserts angle θ where he fancies, and clearly visible on the blackboard above his head sits the erroneous formula. That would have been fine, except that the United States Post Office later decided to create a stamp using this very photo in honor of Fermi after his death. The mistake was spotted too late and the stamp was issued. In a panic, the image on the stamp was corrected in order to limit the damage. As Rutherford famously quipped: “All science is either physics or stamp collecting”.
The historic photo on the left (Public domain) and the US postal stamp containing the error issued in 2001 on the right (The Marguet collection).
- 8.
This methodology was used in the GRACE code for the calculation of the attenuation of photons and the heating of the surrounding shielding of reactors, coded in Fortran on IBM 709 in 1959 by D.S. Duncan and A.B. Speir (Atomics International).
- 9.
Y. Sakamoto, S.I. Tanaka, Interpolation of gamma-ray build-up factors for point isotropic source with respect to atomic number, Nuclear Science and Engineering, 100, p. 33–42 (1988).
- 10.
A. Assad , M. Chiron , J.C. Nimal , C. Diop , P. Ridoux : A new approximating formula for calculating gamma-ray buildup factors for multilayer shields, Nuclear Science and Engineering, 132, p. 203–216 (1999).
- 11.
Thanks to the work of Andréas Schumm (EDF/R&D) on the MODERATO code.
- 12.
On photoneutron cross sections, see: Rudy Lee Van Hemert : Threshold Phtoneutron Cross sections for light nuclei, PhD, University of California, 1968.
- 13.
L.V. Spencer : Energy dissipation by fast electrons, National Bureau of Standards, USA, 1959.
- 14.
O. Blunck, K. Westphal: ”Zum energieverlust enrigiereicher elektronen in dünnen schichten” Zeitung Physik 130, p. 641 (1951).
- 15.
Patrick Maynard Stuart Blackett (1897–1974) spent a great deal of time working on the characterization of cosmic rays and he was awarded the Nobel Prize for his work in 1948. After completing his studies at Cambridge in 1921, he conducted many experiments. He became President of the Royal Society in 1965, and was made a baron in 1965.
- 16.
Russian physicist Pavel Cherenkov (1904–1990), who won the Nobel prize in Physics in 1958, together with I. Tamm and I. Franck for their physical explanation of the Cherenkov effect.
Lucien Mallet (1885–1981) was one of the first radiologists in France. In particular, he developed radiotherapy in the field of cancer, going on to write a book on the subject: Les applications biologiques des corps radioactifs artificiels [Biological applications of artificial radioactive bodies]. In 1921, he worked with Dr. Robert Proust of the Hôpital Tenon in Paris on the development of a treatment for certain cancers involving radiotherapy. In 1926, he described the luminous radiation produced by a source of radium irradiating water which he attributed to the inexact nature of direct photons. He showed in 1928 that this radiation is continuous in energy. A Mallet prize was created in 1985 and is awarded by the “Fondation de France” for deserving work in the field of oncological radiotherapy.
Two stamps celebrating the Russian physicist, Pavel Cherenkov (The Marguet collection).
(The Marguet collection) Plaque from the Paris Mint
- 17.
Johannes (Hans) Wilhelm Geiger (1882–1945). German physicist. After his doctorate in 1906 in Erlangen, he left for England and studied terrestrial magnetism at Manchester University. It was here that he met Rutherford and became his assistant for experimental work. In 1912, he returned to Germany and worked at the National Institute of Science and Technology in Berlin on the detection of charged particles. It was in Kiel, from 1925 onwards, that together with his doctoral student, Walther Müller, he developed the famous proportional Geiger-Müller counter, whose clicking indicates the intensity of radiation being measured. In 1936, he was appointed director of the Technische Hochschule in Berlin. He was one of the key signatories of the Heisenberg-Wien-Geiger Memorandum of 1936, signed by many German scientists in protest against the poor image of theoretical physics in Nazi propaganda, which they attributed to the disdain of students for this subject. This memorandum ended such attacks and incited the regime to use physicists in the war effort rather than discouraging them. Indeed, Geiger, whether or not favorable to the regime, was a member of the German team that worked on developing the atomic bomb alongside Heisenberg.
(Public domain)
- 18.
Ernest Marsden (1882–1970). New Zealand physicist. A compatriot of Rutherford, under whom he studied at Manchester, Marsden worked with Geiger on the α-particle diffusion experiments. He returned to New Zealand in 1914, where in 1926 he founded the Department of Industrial and Scientific Research. During the Second World War, he worked on the development of radars.
(Public domain)
- 19.
Hans Geiger, Ernest Marsden: “On a Diffuse Reflection of the α-Particles”, Proceedings of the Royal Society, Vol. 82, pp. 495–500 (1909).
Bibliography
Annual review of nuclear science Volume 2, Annual reviews, inc., Stanford, USA, 1953, 429 pages. Particularly, R.A. Alpher and R.C. Herman: The origin and abundance distribution of the elements, p 1–40.
F.W. Saris, W.F. Van der Weg (Editors), Atomic collisions in solids, Proceedings of the VIth international conference on atomic collisions in solids held in Amsterdam, September 22–26 1975, North Holland, Amsterdam, ISBN 0-444-11073-9, 1976, 713 pages. Entirely dedicated to the behavior of ions in matter. The paths are very small but the damage are significant. The notion of “sputtering” is to be noted, i.e. the abrasion of atoms from the surface of a solid by high-energy particles.
Pierre Auger, Rayons cosmiques [Cosmic rays], PUF, Paris, 1948.
Alain Baur, Protection contre les rayonnements : aspects physiques et méthodes de calcul [Radiation shielding: physical aspects and calculation methods], CEA/INSTN, ISBN 2-7272-0102-8, 1985, 287 pages. This is an excellent book on radiation physics and one of the most complete references for theoretical aspects [Métivier, 2006].
Michel Bayet, Physique nucléaire [Nuclear physics], Masson, Paris, 1960, 404 pages. This book has much information although the notations are sometimes outdated (especially in neutron physics).
Karl Heinrich Bekurts, Karl Wirtz, Neutron physics, Springer Verlag, 1964, 444 pages. It is a more complete version of [Wirtz and Bekurts, 1958] in German. It is extremely clear with modern notations. There is also a significant chapter on detector calculations and on experimental methods.
Silvio Bergia, Einstein, le père des temps modernes [Einstein, father of a new area], Belin, collection Pour la science, Paris, ISBN 2-84248-071-X, 2004, 159 pages. This popular scientific work replaces the participation of Einstein in the scientific debate of his time. More than the Relativity, it is the photoelectric effect which interests us here, very well described in the chapter 3: light and atoms.
André Berthelot, Rayonnements des particules atomiques, électrons et photons [Radiation from atomic particles, electrons and photons], Masson, Paris, 1956, 191 pages.
Michel Bertin, Les effets biologiques des rayonnements ionisants [The biological effects of ionizing radiation], Electricité de France, Paris, ISBN 2-901281-00-1, 1991, 382 pages. Written by a doctor. This book describes medical aspects of radiation on the body.
Daniel Blanc, Les radioéléments, production, dosage, applications [Production of radioelements, dose and applications], Masson, Paris, 1966, 288 pages. The first part is a nuclear physics course. Several chapters are dedicated to detectors (measurement of activity, ionizing chambers…). Several techniques using radioelements are discussed.
Léon Bloch, Ionisation et résonance des gaz et des vapeurs [Ionization and resonance of gases and vapors], edited by “journal de physique”, Presses Universitaires de France, Paris, 1925, 223 pages. This book continues the work of Franck and Hertz. Einstein’s theory on the photoelectric effect is presented. A significant bibliographical reference at the end of the book.
Max Born, Structure atomique de la matière [Atomic structure of matter], Armand Colin, Paris, 1971, Max Born had a significant role in the development of quantum physics. This book although written from conference articles from 1933 is surprisingly up to date – it has been published in multiple editions.
Augustin Boutaric, Les rayons X [X-rays], Que sais-je collection, PUF, Paris, 1948, 128 pages. Little theoretical background but a global view on the subject matter.
Paul Boutin, Pierre Boutin, Georges Guinier, Henri Mouney, François Vincent, Energie nucléaire et énergie électrique [Nuclear energy and electrical energy], Eyrolles, Paris, 1977. This small book of 122 pages covers a vast subject while being very consistent. The chapter on neutron physics highlights the subject in 12 pages, very clearly. The participation of ex-research engineers from EDF R&D is to be noted (Mouney and Vincent).
G.A. Boutry, Physique appliquée aux industries du vide et de l’électronique [Physics applied to vacuum and electronic industries], Masson, Paris, 1962. It is mainly the second part of the book, dedicated to electron, excitation and ionization that are relevant to our subject, the first part being dedicated to vacuum techniques.
Henri Brasseur, Les rayons X et leurs applications [X-rays and their applications], Masson/Desoer, Paris/Liège, 1945, 366 pages + exercises par J.M. Lejeune. This book depicts largely the applications of X-rays, especially in fields other than medicine (chemical analysis, non-destructive control, and crystallography).
Jean Cabannes, La diffusion moléculaire de la lumière [Molecular scattering of light], Presses Universitaires de France, Paris, 1929, 320 Pages. With the collaboration of Yves Rocard. This reference is a historical account of experiments carried out by Raleigh or Raman. A modern book in spite of an old publication date.
Bernard Cagnac, Jean-Claude Pebay-Peyroula, Physique atomique tome 1: expériences et principes fondamentaux [Atomic physics Part 1: experiments and fundamentals], Dunod, Paris, ISBN 2-04-002555-3, 1995, 295 pages. Re-edition of the 1971 version. The principal experiments are well-described: Stern and Gerlach, Larmor, Barnett, Zeeman, Rutherford…. Several didactic diagrams.
Gilbert Cahen, Pierre Treille, Précis d’énergie nucléaire [Nuclear energy precis], Dunod, 1963, 460 pages, 3rd edition. It is a high-level lecture for the National School of Maritime Engineering. The book has an important chapter on neutronics and another on radiation shielding, at the expense of reactor physics itself from my point of view. This book has been translated to English (1958 version) by Gilbert Melese at Allyn and Bacon, Boston, USA, Library of Congress Card Number 61-5538, 1961.
I.R. Cameron, Nuclear Fission Reactors, Plenum Press, New-York, USA, ISBN 0-306-41073-7, 1982, 389 pages. Several chapters on technological aspects.
Jean-Noêl Capdevielle, Les rayons cosmiques [Cosmic rays], Que sais-je collection, PUF, Paris, 1984, 125 pages. To start and discover particle physics.
Yvette Cauchois and Yvonne Héno, Cheminement des particules chargées [Transport of charged particles], Gauthier-Villars, Paris, France, 1964, 271 pages. This book presents theoretical parts for grasping the phenomena described in chapter 3.
Claude Cohen-Tannoudji, Jacques Dupont-Roc, Gilbert Grynberg, Processus d’interaction entre photons et atomes [Photon and atom interactions], InterEditions/Editions du CNRS, Paris, ISBN 2-7296-0157-0, 1988, 628 pages. These scientists froùm the physics laboratory of the Ecole Normale Supérieure are experts in that field. Cohen-Tannoudji was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1997. The chapters on the absorption and scattering of photons are to be noted for our work.
M. Cottereau et F. Lefebvres, Recueil de problèmes de physique nucléaire et de physique des particules [Exercises in nuclear physics and particle physics], Masson, Paris, 1971, 411 pages.
D. Delacroix, J.P. Guerre, P. Leblanc, Guide pratique radionucléides et protection[Practical guide of radionuclides and radiation shielding], CEA – EDP-Sciences. Paris, ISBN 2-86883-864-2, 2006. A compilations of radionuclides and their properties.
Louis Delherm, Nouveau traité d’électro-thérapie tome 1: généralités [New treatise on electrotherapy Part 1: general considerations], Masson. Paris, 1951, 1068 pages. This huge work in three parts is well known in the medical field. Part 2 and 3 are exclusively medical applications. Part 1 underlines the production of X-rays and their effects in matter. Part 1 has lots o illustrations on the radiotherapy and dosimetry of the time. The chapter on radiotherapy accidents is very instructive. A chapter on neutron absorption by living tissues is to be noted.
J.L. Delcroix, Introduction à la théorie des gaz ionisés [Introduction to the theory of inoized gases], Dunod. Paris, 1959, 170 pages. This book is a good beginning to plasma physics. First two chapters on collisions are very useful. The theory of free electron gas is preceded by a recall of the kinetic theory of gases.
Maurice Déribéré, Les applications pratiques des rayons infrarouges [Practical applications of infrared rays], Dunod. Paris, 1954, 3rd edition, 435 pages. This book which deals more with technical aspects than scientific ones presents numerous industrial applications.
James J. Duderstadt, William R. Martin, Transport Theory, John Wiley, USA, ISBN 0-471-04492-X, 1979.
M. Duquesne, R. Grégoire, M. Lefort, Travaux pratiques de physique nucléaire et de radiochimie [Practical work in nuclear physics and radiochemistry], Masson, Paris, 1960, 304 pages. Several experimental descriptions for radiation.
Ulysse Filippi, Matière, rayonnement, énergie [Matter, radiation, energy], Dunod, Paris, 1965, 289 pages.
Anthony Foderaro, The elements of neutron interaction theory, MIT press, USA, ISBN 0-262-56160-3, 1971, re-edited 1979, 585 pages. The introduction is an amusing allusion to authors. This book is an impressive collection of theoretical models. The black cover is intimidating! The chapter on “collision kinematics” is a model for clear presentation that can be difficulty leveled. Foderaro presents collision within the quantum physics framework (Schrödinger’s equation for which he analyses several solutions). He presents the Breit-Wigner model and the Doppler effect. In my view, one of the best textbooks on pure neutron physics.
Jacques Foos, Manuel de radioactivité à l’usage des utilisateurs Tome 2: les désintégrations radioactives, les interactions rayonnements/matière, les applications de la radioactivité [Radioactivity manual for users Part 2: radioactive decay, radiation/matter interaction, applications of radioactivity], Formascience, Orsay, ISBN 2-909336-04-2, 1994, 310 pages. Several exercises with review of lectures. For students.
G. Fournier, M. Guillot, Sur l’absorption exponentielle des rayons béta du Radium E [On the exponential absorption of beta rays of Radium E], Hermann, Paris, 1933, 37 pages. This study presents the modern approach for absorption of beams of electrons with several velocities by shields of aluminum and carbon of variable thickness. The continuous spectrum measured by Madgwick for the β - emission by Radium E – the old name of bismuth 210 – is presented.
Herbert Goldstein, Fundamental aspects of reactor shielding, Addison-Wesley, Reading, USA, 1959, 416 pages. This reference book focuses on the theoretical considerations of radiation transport calculation, rather than medical ones – a good reference for chapter 3.
J.R. Harrison, Nuclear reactor shielding, Temple Press Limited, London, 1958, 68 pages. Contains the fundamentals of gamma and neutron radiation shielding, especially interesting analytical examples for neutron streaming in tubes, and rings.
Gabor T. Herman, Image reconstruction from projection : the fundamentals of computerized tomography, Academic Press, USA, ISBN 0-12-342050-4, 1980, 316 pages. On techniques of image deconvolution and the Radon transform.
Gerhard Herzberg, Atomic spectra and atomic structure, Dover, USA, ISBN 0-486-60115-3, 1991, 257 pages. It is the translation of a book published in German in 1937. There is a good description of quantum effects (Zeeman, Stark effects and a clear presentation of spin composition). A pioneer in molecular spectroscopy, this physicist was awarded the Nobel Prize in chemistry in 1971 for his work on internal geometry and the energy states of simple molecules, especially for free radicals.
Gerald J. Hine, Gordon L. Brownell (Editors), Radiation dosimetry, Academic Press, New-York, USA, Library of Congress Card Number 56-6605, 1956, 932 pages, the first three chapters are theoretical considerations.
Peter A. Jansson, Deconvolution: with applications to spectroscopy, Academic Press, Orlando, USA, ISBN 0-12-380220-2, 1984, 342 pages. The inverse processing of measurements in spectroscopy requires advanced mathematical methods. This book is very accessible with numerous examples.
Marc Jouguet, Cours de physique tome IV: structure de la matière, Eyrolles, Paris, 1964, 262 pages. Especially for the complete description of the hydrogen atom and the chapters on nuclear physics.
Théo Kahan, Physique nucléaire et physique mésique [Nuclear physics and meson physics], Armand Colin, Paris, 1963, 222 pages. This small book may appear to be a popularizing work at first glance. It is not the case. Théo Kahan, a specialist of nuclear physics and quantum physics, has authored a very academic textbook with much information.
G. Robert Keepin, Physics of nuclear kinetics, Addison-Wesley, Library of congress 64-20831, 1965, 435 pages. The first book entirely devoted to reactor kinetics, and one of the ten essential reference books to the reactor physicist. The six-group of delayed neutron are still used in most codes presently. Up to the publication of [Hetrick, 1993] some 20 years later, it was hard to by-pass this work!
Aaron D. Krawitz, Introduction to diffraction in materials science and engineering, John Wiley. New-York, ISBN 0-471-24724-3, 2001, 408 pages. This crystallography treatise has a chapter devoted to neutrons.
Mickhail Aleksandrovich Krivoglaz Théorie de la diffusion des rayons X et de neutrons thermiques par les cristaux réels [X-Ray and Neutron Diffraction in Nonideal Crystals], Masson, Paris, 1969, 328 pages, translated by J.J. Couderc. The chapter on “Inelastic neutron scattering by vibrations of an ideal harmonic crystal” is more relevant than X-rays.
John Lamarsh, Anthony J. Barrata, Introduction to nuclear engineering, Prentice Hall, ISBN 0-201-82498-1, 3rd edition, 2001, 783 pages. More of an engineering textbook where few physical or mathematical proofs are illustrated.
J.D. Lawson, The physics of charged-particle beams, Clarendon Press, Oxford, United Kingdom, ISBN 0-19-851278-3, 1977, 462 pages. By a plasma specialist.
Pierre Lévêque (éditeur), Les applications industrielles des radioéléments [Industrial applications of radioelements], collection de l’ANRT, Eyrolles-Gauthiers-Villars, Paris, 1962, 352 pages. On the use of radioelements in the non-nuclear industry.
John S. Lilley, Nuclear physics, John Wiley, Chichester, England, ISBN 0-471-97936-8, 2001, 393 pages. Lectures of the University of Manchester. Very complete. A chapter is devoted to fission reactors.
Rodney Loudon, The quantum theory of light, Oxford Science Publications, Oxford, England, ISBN 0-19-850176-5, 2000, 3rd edition, 438 pages. A classical reference, the first edition dates back to 1973. One of the most complete reference. Essential.
Bruce H. Mahan, Philibert L’Ecuyer, Marcel Lefrançois, Chimie [Chemistry], Editions du Renouveau Pédagogique, Montréal, Canada, 1970, 832 pages. 2nd edition. Extremely didactic and in French. For our use, the following chapters are relevant: fundamentals of atomic theory, gas properties, solid properties, electronic structure of atoms and the atomic nucleus.
Robert M. Mayo, Introduction to nuclear concepts for engineers, American Nuclear Society, La Grange Park, Illinois, USA, ISBN 0-89448-454-0, 1998, 361 pages. This book is more than just a good introduction.
Henri Métivier (coordinator), Radioprotection et ingénierie nucléaire [Radiation shielding and nuclear engineering], EDP Sciences-INSTN, Paris, ISBN 2-86883-769-7, 2006, 505 pages. It is a collective work including a chapter on the calculation methods of radiation propagation. The absence of an index is unfortunate though.
George H. Miley, Direct conversion of nuclear radiation energy, American Nuclear Society, USA, Library of Congress Card Number 70-155742, 1970, 518 pages. The concepts that allow the direct harnessing of energy of charged particles without a cooling thermodynamic cycle of the fuel by a coolant and an exchange cycle towards a secondary loop, thereby an increase in efficiency. The chapter on the transport of charged particles is well within the focus of chapter 3 of this work.
Mai K. Nguyen, Truong T. Truong, Imagerie par rayonnement gamma diffusé [Imaging by scattered gamma radiation], Hermès-Lavoisier, Paris, ISBN 2-7462-1216-1, 2006, 236 pages. This excellent French work presents both theoretical and practical aspects of imaging by gamma radiation. Essential for the subject matter.
D.C. Peaslee, H. Mueller, Elements of atomic physics, Prentice Hall, New-York, USA, Library of Congress Card Number 55-7572, 1955, 394 pages.
Maurice Pinta and several collaborators, Spectrométrie d’absorption atomique, tome 1: problèmes généraux (1979) et tome 2 : applications à l’analyse chimique (1980) [Spectrometry of atomic absorption, part 1 : general problems (1979) and part 2 : applications to chemical analysis (1980)], Masson-ORSTOM, Paris, 1979 and 1980, 2nd edition, 696 pages in all.
Ernest C. Pollard, William, L. Davidson, Applied nuclear physics, John Wiley and sons, New-York, USA, 1956, 3rd edition, 352 pages. The first part of the book is directed towards instrumentation. Theoretical aspects are not much presented.
G. G. Poretti, Abrégé de biophysique des radiations [A brief work on the biophysics of radiations], Presse Polytechniques et Universitaires Romandes, ISBN 978-2880741548, 1988, 68 pages.
B.T. Price, C.C. Horton, K.T. Spinney, Radiation shielding, Pergamon Press, London, United-Kingdom, 1957, 350 pages. Most of this book is dedicated to neutron radiation shielding.
O.R. Frisch (editor), Progress in nuclear Physics Volume 8, Pergamon press, London, United Kingdom, Library of Congress Card Number 51-984, 1960b, 304 pages. Compilation of articles by British scientists. Especially The interaction of polarized nucleons with nuclei by E.J. Squires.
Pierre Radvanyi, Les Curie, pionniers de l’atome [The Curie, atomic pioneers], Belin, Pour la science, ISBN 2-7011-4242-5, 2005, 159 pages. This very good book of science history is richly illustrated and recalls the scientific adventure of two Curie generations.
René Renault, Atomistique et chimie générale [General atomistics and chemistry], Dunod, 1948, 2nd edition, 426 pages. The chapter on atomistics and the discontinuous nature of matter is to be noted.
Theodore Rockwell III, Reactor shielding design manual, Van Nostrand, Princeton. USA, 1956, 472 pages. Chapter 1 deals with neutron attenuation and radiations.
J.J. Samueli, J. Pigneret, A. Sarazin, Instrumentation électronique en physique nucléaire [Electronic instrumentation in nuclear physics], Masson, Paris, 1968, 280 pages.
Henry Semat, Introduction to atomic and nuclear physics, Rinehart, USA, Library of Congress Card Number 54-7640, 1955, 561 pages.
Jack Sharpe, Nuclear radiation detectors, Methuen, London, United Kingdom, 1964, 237 pages. 2nd edition. This small book is especially devoted to detectors: photmultipliers, scintillation detector, ionizing chambers.
J. Kenneth Shultis, Richard E. Faw, Radiation shielding, American Nuclear Society, Illinois, USA, 2000, 462 pages. One of the most complete reference on the subject. Remarkable.
Peter Sigmund, Particle penetration and radiation effects, Springer, Berlin, ISBN 978-3-540-72622-7, 2008, 437 pages. This book is a must-have complement to the chapter on radiation interaction with matter. He discusses thoroughly the subject with all the different theories which have only been broached in the present work. To be read before any other work on radiation shielding for the knowledgeable beginner.
G. L. Squires, Introduction to the theory of thermal neutron scattering, Dover, ISBN 0-486-69447-X, 1996, 260 pages. The chapter on neutron scattering by crystals is extremely instructive for understanding the notion of phonons or complex subjects such as magnetic scattering in a crystal where all the spins are ordered. The notations are very specific to scattering (wave vectors, and so on) and makes it inaccessible if the reader does not start from the beginning.
A. Thorre, U. Litzén, S. Johasson, Spectrophysics, Springer, ISBN 3-540-65117-9, 1999, 433 pages.
Albert Turpain, La lumière, Librairie Charles Delagrave, Paris, 1913, 304 pages. One of the first book on the subject in France, for the historical point of view. Turpain made the first television broadcast in Poitiers, France in January 1935.
Luc Valentin, Tome 1: Approche élémentaire [Part 1 : Elementary approach], Hermann, Paris, France, ISBN 2-7056-5927-7, 1982a, 312 pages. Ideal for beginning nuclear physics.
Luc Valentin, Tome 1I: Développements [Part 2, Developments], Hermann, Paris, France, ISBN 2-7056-5928-5, 1982b, 652 pages in all. Ideal for beginning nuclear physics.
Franck Wissman, Compton scattering, Springer Verlag, Berlin, ISBN 3-540-40742-1, 2004, 132 pages.
Vladimir Kosma Zworykin, Edward Granville Ramberg, La photoélectricité et ses applications [Photoelectricity and its applications], Dunod, 1953, 462 pages. Translated by H. Aberdam from the American version published by John Wiley. It proposes a very good description of several measuring devices using the photoelectric effect. The first chapter describes the theoretical background.
Jack Sharpe, D. Taylor Mesure et détection des rayonnements nucléaires, Dunod, Paris, France, 1958, 321 pages. Foreword by Jules Guéron, the then-director of CEA.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2017 Springer International Publishing AG
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Marguet, S. (2017). Interaction of Electromagnetic Radiation and Charged Particles with Matter. In: The Physics of Nuclear Reactors. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-59560-3_3
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-59560-3_3
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-319-59559-7
Online ISBN: 978-3-319-59560-3
eBook Packages: Physics and AstronomyPhysics and Astronomy (R0)