Interactions of ionizing radiation with matter and direct energy conversion

Abstract

Ionizing radiation is a broad term which refers to the fact that different types of radiation will create ion pairs in matter. Ionizing radiation includes ions (e.g., fission fragments and alpha particles), beta particles, gamma rays, x-rays, and neutrons. Radioisotopes emit ionizing radiation and are viewed as the primary power source for nuclear batteries. This chapter will explore various radioisotope sources and their properties. The transducers which can be used in concert with radioisotope sources will be discussed.