Radiation interactions with matter

This chapter addresses the interactions of different types of ionising radiations with matter. For photons, it introduces the photoelectric effect, Compton scattering and pair production. The concept of exponential attenuation is introduced, and a detailed account is given of Compton scattering, which is often the main process of relevance in the photon energy range of practical importance. Electron interactions are described. These are relevant to secondary particles produced from photon interactions, but also to primary particles emitted from beta sources. Interactions of alpha particles with materials are addressed, emphasising their short, but quite well-defined ranges and a final section describes the transport of neutrons and neutron capture reactions.