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Updated: Aug 23, 2026

A Basic Positron Emission Tomography System Constructed to Locate a Radioactive Source in a Bi-dimensional Space
Published on: February 1, 2016
A history of radiation detection instrumentation
1PTP MS 11, Oak Ridge Associated Universities, PO Box 117, Oak Ridge, TN 37831-0117, USA. framep@orau.gov
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.
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