Abstract:
The online lecture deals with the fundamentals of ionizing radiation starting from the structure of an atom via different types of radiation and their detection through dosimetry and natural radioactivity. Each topic is divided into several videos each about 10-15 min, so that it is free to the users based on their foreknowledge and interests where they steps into the course.

Outline:

1. The Atom: Structure of the atom, radioactive decay and decay laws, introduction of the Karlsruhe Nuclide Chart
2. Liquid Drop(let) model: Description of an atomic nucleus according to the liquid drop model, Bethe-Weizsäcker formula, energetics in nuclear reactions
3. The Alpha decay: Basics about alpha decay, penetration depth, shielding and detection of alpha particles, Bragg curve, Gamow theory
4. The Beta decay: Basics about beta decay, decay spectrum, energetics and electron capture, Fermi theory, Auger effect and conversion electrons, detection with liquid scintillation counter
5. The Gamma decay: Basics about gamma decay, interaction with matter, detection and calibration
6. The shell model: Shell model of the atomic nucleus, magic numbers
7. Neutrons: Discovery of neutrons, sources and detection, neutron cross section and fluxes, moderation of neutrons
8. Nuclear reactions: Nuclear fission, Four factor formula, nuclear reactions, the strong nuclear force, compound nuclei, fusion

Goals:
The course is intended to provide an insight into the broad field of ionizing radiation, with the focus on the underlying physical principles. It can be used as an introduction to the topic, to refresh individual topics or to deepen the knowledge.

Requirements:
Basic knowledge about physics on high school level

Key words:
Radioactive decay, alpha, beta, gamma radiation, nuclide chart, fission, dosimetry, decay chain

References:
J.-V. Kratz, K. H. Lieser: Nuclear and Radiochemistry: Fundamentals and Applications, Wiley-VCH, Weinheim, 2013.

The course is available on our Moodle platform as Basic Course on Ionizing Radiation.