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They tamed the photon: early days of radiation dosimetry

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Abstract

This article is a tribute to the many physicists who tamed the photon in the service of mankind. Many received Nobel Prizes and other high awards. Several have units named after them. Some invented the equipment we use. Some sacrificed their lives before the hazards and benefits of radiation were fully understood. I discuss the progress over 120 years, both theoretical and technical, in the development of radiation protection regulations based on quantitative measurements and a consistent set of units, the gray and sievert. It is an expanded version of a recent talk I gave at the ISHRAD (International Society for the History of Radiology) meeting in Würzburg which commemorated the 120th anniversary of the discovery of X-rays by Wilhelm Conrad Rōntgen.

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Acknowledgements

I gratefully acknowledge comments by Professor Eva Bezak and Editor Martin Caon.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medical Physics, Royal Adelaide Hospital, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia

    John R. Patterson

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  1. John R. Patterson
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Correspondence to John R. Patterson.

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The author declares that he has no conflict of interest in the article.

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All procedures by the author at the Royal Adelaide Hospital during his employment were performed in accordance with the ethical standards of the Hospital.

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Patterson, J. They tamed the photon: early days of radiation dosimetry. Australas Phys Eng Sci Med 40, 11–20 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13246-017-0524-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13246-017-0524-8

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