Author: Reuven Chen
Publisher: World Scientific
ISBN: 9789810222956
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 580
Book Description
In this book, the authors give an up-to-date account of thermoluminescence (TL) and other thermally stimulated phenomena. Although most recent experimental results of TL in different materials are described in some detail, the main emphasis in the present book is on general processes, and the approach is more theoretical. Thus the details of the possible processes which can take place during the excitation of the sample, and during its heating, are carefully analysed. The methods for analysing TL glow curves are critically discussed, and recommendations as to their application are made. Also discussed is the expected behavior of these phenomena as functions of the experimental parameters, for example, dose of excitation. The consequences of the main applications of TL (for example, radiation dosimetry) are also discussed in detail as are the similarities and dissimilarities of other thermally stimulated phenomena, and the simultaneous measurements of the latter and TL.
Theory of Thermoluminescence and Related Phenomena
Author: Reuven Chen
Publisher: World Scientific
ISBN: 9789810222956
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 580
Book Description
In this book, the authors give an up-to-date account of thermoluminescence (TL) and other thermally stimulated phenomena. Although most recent experimental results of TL in different materials are described in some detail, the main emphasis in the present book is on general processes, and the approach is more theoretical. Thus the details of the possible processes which can take place during the excitation of the sample, and during its heating, are carefully analysed. The methods for analysing TL glow curves are critically discussed, and recommendations as to their application are made. Also discussed is the expected behavior of these phenomena as functions of the experimental parameters, for example, dose of excitation. The consequences of the main applications of TL (for example, radiation dosimetry) are also discussed in detail as are the similarities and dissimilarities of other thermally stimulated phenomena, and the simultaneous measurements of the latter and TL.
Publisher: World Scientific
ISBN: 9789810222956
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 580
Book Description
In this book, the authors give an up-to-date account of thermoluminescence (TL) and other thermally stimulated phenomena. Although most recent experimental results of TL in different materials are described in some detail, the main emphasis in the present book is on general processes, and the approach is more theoretical. Thus the details of the possible processes which can take place during the excitation of the sample, and during its heating, are carefully analysed. The methods for analysing TL glow curves are critically discussed, and recommendations as to their application are made. Also discussed is the expected behavior of these phenomena as functions of the experimental parameters, for example, dose of excitation. The consequences of the main applications of TL (for example, radiation dosimetry) are also discussed in detail as are the similarities and dissimilarities of other thermally stimulated phenomena, and the simultaneous measurements of the latter and TL.
Numerical and Practical Exercises in Thermoluminescence
Author: Vasilis Pagonis
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 0387300902
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 210
Book Description
Thermoluminescence (TL) is a well-established technique widely used in do- metric and dating applications. Although several excellent reference books exist which document both the t- oretical and experimental aspects of TL, there is a general lack of books that deal withspeci?cnumericalandpracticalaspectsofanalyzingTLdata. Manytimesthe practicaldetailsofanalyzingnumericalTLglowcurvesandofapplyingtheoretical models are dif?cult to ?nd in the published literature. The purpose of this book is to provide a practical guide for both established researchers and for new graduate students entering the ?eld of TL and is intended to be used in conjunction with and as a practical supplement of standard textbooks in the ?eld. Chapter1laysthemathematicalgroundworkforsubsequentchaptersbyprese- ingthefundamentalmathematicalexpressionsmostcommonlyusedforanalyzing experimental TL data. Chapter2presentscomprehensiveexamplesofTLdataanalysisforglowcurves following ?rst-, second-, and general-order kinetics. Detailed analysis of num- ical data is presented by using a variety of methods found in the TL literature, with particular emphasis in the practical aspects and pitfalls that researchers may encounter. Special emphasis is placed on the need to use several different me- ods to analyze the same TL data, as well as on the necessity to analyze glow curves obtained under different experimental conditions. Unfortunately, the lit- ature contains many published papers that claim a speci?c kinetic order for a TL peak in a dosimetric material, based only on a peak shape analysis. It is hoped that the detailed examples provided in Chapter 2 will encourage more comprehensive studies of TL properties of materials, based on the simultaneous use of several different methods of analysis.
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 0387300902
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 210
Book Description
Thermoluminescence (TL) is a well-established technique widely used in do- metric and dating applications. Although several excellent reference books exist which document both the t- oretical and experimental aspects of TL, there is a general lack of books that deal withspeci?cnumericalandpracticalaspectsofanalyzingTLdata. Manytimesthe practicaldetailsofanalyzingnumericalTLglowcurvesandofapplyingtheoretical models are dif?cult to ?nd in the published literature. The purpose of this book is to provide a practical guide for both established researchers and for new graduate students entering the ?eld of TL and is intended to be used in conjunction with and as a practical supplement of standard textbooks in the ?eld. Chapter1laysthemathematicalgroundworkforsubsequentchaptersbyprese- ingthefundamentalmathematicalexpressionsmostcommonlyusedforanalyzing experimental TL data. Chapter2presentscomprehensiveexamplesofTLdataanalysisforglowcurves following ?rst-, second-, and general-order kinetics. Detailed analysis of num- ical data is presented by using a variety of methods found in the TL literature, with particular emphasis in the practical aspects and pitfalls that researchers may encounter. Special emphasis is placed on the need to use several different me- ods to analyze the same TL data, as well as on the necessity to analyze glow curves obtained under different experimental conditions. Unfortunately, the lit- ature contains many published papers that claim a speci?c kinetic order for a TL peak in a dosimetric material, based only on a peak shape analysis. It is hoped that the detailed examples provided in Chapter 2 will encourage more comprehensive studies of TL properties of materials, based on the simultaneous use of several different methods of analysis.
Thermally and Optically Stimulated Luminescence
Author: Reuven Chen
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1119995760
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 409
Book Description
Thermoluminescence (TL) and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) are two of the most important techniques used in radiation dosimetry. They have extensive practical applications in the monitoring of personnel radiation exposure, in medical dosimetry, environmental dosimetry, spacecraft, nuclear reactors, food irradiation etc., and in geological /archaeological dating. Thermally and Optically Stimulated Luminescence: A Simulation Approach describes these phenomena, the relevant theoretical models and their prediction, using both approximations and numerical simulation. The authors concentrate on an alternative approach in which they simulate various experimental situations by numerically solving the relevant coupled differential equations for chosen sets of parameters. Opening with a historical overview and background theory, other chapters cover experimental measurements, dose dependence, dating procedures, trapping parameters, applications, radiophotoluminescence, and effects of ionization density. Designed for practitioners, researchers and graduate students in the field of radiation dosimetry, Thermally and Optically Stimulated Luminescence provides an essential synthesis of the major developments in modeling and numerical simulations of thermally and optically stimulated processes.
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1119995760
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 409
Book Description
Thermoluminescence (TL) and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) are two of the most important techniques used in radiation dosimetry. They have extensive practical applications in the monitoring of personnel radiation exposure, in medical dosimetry, environmental dosimetry, spacecraft, nuclear reactors, food irradiation etc., and in geological /archaeological dating. Thermally and Optically Stimulated Luminescence: A Simulation Approach describes these phenomena, the relevant theoretical models and their prediction, using both approximations and numerical simulation. The authors concentrate on an alternative approach in which they simulate various experimental situations by numerically solving the relevant coupled differential equations for chosen sets of parameters. Opening with a historical overview and background theory, other chapters cover experimental measurements, dose dependence, dating procedures, trapping parameters, applications, radiophotoluminescence, and effects of ionization density. Designed for practitioners, researchers and graduate students in the field of radiation dosimetry, Thermally and Optically Stimulated Luminescence provides an essential synthesis of the major developments in modeling and numerical simulations of thermally and optically stimulated processes.
Luminescence
Author: Jagannathan Thirumalai
Publisher: BoD – Books on Demand
ISBN: 9535127624
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 390
Book Description
The aim of this book is to give readers a broad review of topical worldwide advancements in theoretical and experimental facts, instrumentation and practical applications erudite by luminescent materials and their prospects in dealing with different types of luminescence like photoluminescence, electroluminescence, thermo-luminescence, triboluminescence, bioluminescence design and applications. The additional part of this book deals with the dynamics, rare-earth ions, photon down-/up-converting materials, luminescence dating, lifetime, bioluminescence microscopical perspectives and prospects towards the basic research or for more advanced applications. This book is divided into four main sections: luminescent materials and their associated phenomena; photo-physical properties and their emerging applications; thermoluminescence dating: from theory to applications, and bioluminescence perspectives and prospects. Individual chapters should serve the broad spectrum of common readers of diverse expertise, layman, students and researchers, who may in this book find easily elucidated fundamentals as well as progressive principles of specific subjects associated with these phenomena. This book was created by 14 contributions from experts in different fields of luminescence and technology from over 20 research institutes worldwide.
Publisher: BoD – Books on Demand
ISBN: 9535127624
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 390
Book Description
The aim of this book is to give readers a broad review of topical worldwide advancements in theoretical and experimental facts, instrumentation and practical applications erudite by luminescent materials and their prospects in dealing with different types of luminescence like photoluminescence, electroluminescence, thermo-luminescence, triboluminescence, bioluminescence design and applications. The additional part of this book deals with the dynamics, rare-earth ions, photon down-/up-converting materials, luminescence dating, lifetime, bioluminescence microscopical perspectives and prospects towards the basic research or for more advanced applications. This book is divided into four main sections: luminescent materials and their associated phenomena; photo-physical properties and their emerging applications; thermoluminescence dating: from theory to applications, and bioluminescence perspectives and prospects. Individual chapters should serve the broad spectrum of common readers of diverse expertise, layman, students and researchers, who may in this book find easily elucidated fundamentals as well as progressive principles of specific subjects associated with these phenomena. This book was created by 14 contributions from experts in different fields of luminescence and technology from over 20 research institutes worldwide.
Microdosimetric Response of Physical and Biological Systems to Low- and High-LET Radiations
Author: Yigal Horowitz
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0080462936
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 501
Book Description
One of the aims of this book was to focus the attention of specialists to the diversity of the effects of the ionising radiation on biological and physical systems. Special emphasis has been placed on the exquisite complexities/differences introduced by high ionisation density versus low ionisation density irradiation in both biological and physical systems (Scholz – Chapter 1, Horowitz – Chapter 2, Olko – Chapter 3). As well we wanted to point out the need for novel experimental and theoretical approaches required to advance the important fields of micro and nanodosimetry. Important first steps have already been taken, for example, the accelerated application of semiconductor detectors in their various forms to microdosimetry and as well to practical, important applications in the radiation dosimetry of oncological procedures (Rosenfeld – Chapter 6). The vast number of applications of TLD to radiation dosimetry are not neglected; a special chapter is devoted to the application of TLDs to medical dosimetry applications (Mobit and Kron – Chapter 7) as well as a tutorial approach in an additional chapter to the cavity theories required to extrapolate dose from the detector medium to the tissue medium (Mobit and Sandison - Chapter 5). One of the major features of this book is the intensive, in depth, coverage of the theory and modelling of TL both from the solid state physics point of view (Chen – Chapter 4) and the microdosimetic point of view (Horowitz – Chapter 2 and Olko – Chapter 3). The many puzzling, quaint, quizzical features of TL science can now be understood in the framework of these advanced theoretical models, explained in straightforward, understandable terms.· Quantifies/unifies the effects of ionising radiation in both the biological and physical systems· Authoritative treatment of applications of semiconductor detectors and thermoluminescence dosemeters in medica l radiation dosimetry· Basic and advanced aspects of microdosimetry applied to both biological and physical systems· In-depth review of the effects of the density of ionising radiation in tsl and osl · Concise and elegant treatment of cavity theory in medical oncological dosimetry· Comprehensive review of this important interdisciplinary field including hundreds of ilustrations and references
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0080462936
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 501
Book Description
One of the aims of this book was to focus the attention of specialists to the diversity of the effects of the ionising radiation on biological and physical systems. Special emphasis has been placed on the exquisite complexities/differences introduced by high ionisation density versus low ionisation density irradiation in both biological and physical systems (Scholz – Chapter 1, Horowitz – Chapter 2, Olko – Chapter 3). As well we wanted to point out the need for novel experimental and theoretical approaches required to advance the important fields of micro and nanodosimetry. Important first steps have already been taken, for example, the accelerated application of semiconductor detectors in their various forms to microdosimetry and as well to practical, important applications in the radiation dosimetry of oncological procedures (Rosenfeld – Chapter 6). The vast number of applications of TLD to radiation dosimetry are not neglected; a special chapter is devoted to the application of TLDs to medical dosimetry applications (Mobit and Kron – Chapter 7) as well as a tutorial approach in an additional chapter to the cavity theories required to extrapolate dose from the detector medium to the tissue medium (Mobit and Sandison - Chapter 5). One of the major features of this book is the intensive, in depth, coverage of the theory and modelling of TL both from the solid state physics point of view (Chen – Chapter 4) and the microdosimetic point of view (Horowitz – Chapter 2 and Olko – Chapter 3). The many puzzling, quaint, quizzical features of TL science can now be understood in the framework of these advanced theoretical models, explained in straightforward, understandable terms.· Quantifies/unifies the effects of ionising radiation in both the biological and physical systems· Authoritative treatment of applications of semiconductor detectors and thermoluminescence dosemeters in medica l radiation dosimetry· Basic and advanced aspects of microdosimetry applied to both biological and physical systems· In-depth review of the effects of the density of ionising radiation in tsl and osl · Concise and elegant treatment of cavity theory in medical oncological dosimetry· Comprehensive review of this important interdisciplinary field including hundreds of ilustrations and references
Handbook of Thermoluminescence
Author: Claudio Furetta
Publisher: World Scientific
ISBN: 9812838929
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 564
Book Description
This second edition of the Handbook of Thermoluminescence enlarges on all the subjects which were treated in the first edition and adds further arguments, including the theory of thermoluminescent dose measurement, several examples concerning the kinetics parameters determination using various methods such as peak shape, isothermal decay, and so on. A special section is devoted to food irradiation, an important subject at the present time, and to the thermoluminescent characterization of the minerals extracted from the irradiated food. Another new section is devoted to the thermoluminescent phosphors and their main characteristics. The analytical treatments of the various thermoluminescent models are fully developed. As in the first edition, the arguments are given in alphabetical order to ease research. This second edition therefore aims to provide real practical support for researchers, students and personnel involved in radiation protection services, as well as in medical applications. Sample Chapter(s). Accuracy (definition) (343 KB). Contents: Area Measurement Method; Basic Equation of Radiation Dosimetry by Thermoluminescence; Calibration Procedure for a Batch of Thermoluminescent Dosimeters; Defects; Environmental Dose Rate; Fading Factor; Garlick-Gibson Model; Heating Rate Effects; Isothermal Decay Method; Keating Method; Luminescence Dosimetric Techniques; Metastable State; Numerical Curve Fitting Method; Optical Fading; Peak Shape Method; Peak Shift; Quasiequilibrium Condition; Recombination Processes; Solid State Dosimeters; Thermoluminescence; Various Heating Rates Method; Zirconium Oxide; Appendix. Readership: Researchers in applied physics, theoretical physics, condensed matter physics, new materials and glasses, insulators and optical materials.
Publisher: World Scientific
ISBN: 9812838929
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 564
Book Description
This second edition of the Handbook of Thermoluminescence enlarges on all the subjects which were treated in the first edition and adds further arguments, including the theory of thermoluminescent dose measurement, several examples concerning the kinetics parameters determination using various methods such as peak shape, isothermal decay, and so on. A special section is devoted to food irradiation, an important subject at the present time, and to the thermoluminescent characterization of the minerals extracted from the irradiated food. Another new section is devoted to the thermoluminescent phosphors and their main characteristics. The analytical treatments of the various thermoluminescent models are fully developed. As in the first edition, the arguments are given in alphabetical order to ease research. This second edition therefore aims to provide real practical support for researchers, students and personnel involved in radiation protection services, as well as in medical applications. Sample Chapter(s). Accuracy (definition) (343 KB). Contents: Area Measurement Method; Basic Equation of Radiation Dosimetry by Thermoluminescence; Calibration Procedure for a Batch of Thermoluminescent Dosimeters; Defects; Environmental Dose Rate; Fading Factor; Garlick-Gibson Model; Heating Rate Effects; Isothermal Decay Method; Keating Method; Luminescence Dosimetric Techniques; Metastable State; Numerical Curve Fitting Method; Optical Fading; Peak Shape Method; Peak Shift; Quasiequilibrium Condition; Recombination Processes; Solid State Dosimeters; Thermoluminescence; Various Heating Rates Method; Zirconium Oxide; Appendix. Readership: Researchers in applied physics, theoretical physics, condensed matter physics, new materials and glasses, insulators and optical materials.
Persistent Luminescence
Author: Vijay Kumar
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 9819749433
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 403
Book Description
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 9819749433
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 403
Book Description
A Course in Luminescence Measurements and Analyses for Radiation Dosimetry
Author: Stephen W. S. McKeever
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1119646898
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 420
Book Description
A Course in Luminescence Measurements and Analyses for Radiation Dosimetry A complete approach to the three key techniques in luminescence dosimetry In A Course in Luminescence Measurements and Analyses for Radiation Dosimetry, expert researcher Stephen McKeever delivers a holistic and comprehensive exploration of the three main luminescence techniques used in radiation dosimetry: thermoluminescence, optically stimulated luminescence, and radiophotoluminescence. The author demonstrates how the three techniques are related to one another and how they compare to each other. Throughout, the author’s focus is on pedagogy, including state-of-the-art research only where it is relevant to demonstrate a key principle or where it reveals a critical insight into physical mechanisms. The primary purpose of the book is to teach beginning researchers about the three aforementioned techniques, their similarities and distinctions, and their applications. A Course in Luminescence Measurements and Analyses for Radiation Dosimetry offers access to a companion website that includes original data sets and problems to be solved by the reader. The book also includes: A thorough introduction to the field of luminescence applications in radiation dosimetry, including a history of the subject. Comprehensive explorations of introductory models and kinetics, including the concepts of thermoluminescence, optically stimulated luminescence, and radiophotoluminescence. Practical discussions of luminescence curve shapes, including the determination of trapping parameters from experimental thermoluminescence and optically stimulated luminescence data. In-depth examinations of dose-response functions, superlinearity, supralinearity, and sublinearity, as well as the causes of non-linearity. Detailed examples with well-known materials. A Course in Luminescence Measurements and Analyses for Radiation Dosimetry is an invaluable guide for undergraduate and graduate students in the field of radiation dosimetry, as well as faculty and professionals in the field.
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1119646898
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 420
Book Description
A Course in Luminescence Measurements and Analyses for Radiation Dosimetry A complete approach to the three key techniques in luminescence dosimetry In A Course in Luminescence Measurements and Analyses for Radiation Dosimetry, expert researcher Stephen McKeever delivers a holistic and comprehensive exploration of the three main luminescence techniques used in radiation dosimetry: thermoluminescence, optically stimulated luminescence, and radiophotoluminescence. The author demonstrates how the three techniques are related to one another and how they compare to each other. Throughout, the author’s focus is on pedagogy, including state-of-the-art research only where it is relevant to demonstrate a key principle or where it reveals a critical insight into physical mechanisms. The primary purpose of the book is to teach beginning researchers about the three aforementioned techniques, their similarities and distinctions, and their applications. A Course in Luminescence Measurements and Analyses for Radiation Dosimetry offers access to a companion website that includes original data sets and problems to be solved by the reader. The book also includes: A thorough introduction to the field of luminescence applications in radiation dosimetry, including a history of the subject. Comprehensive explorations of introductory models and kinetics, including the concepts of thermoluminescence, optically stimulated luminescence, and radiophotoluminescence. Practical discussions of luminescence curve shapes, including the determination of trapping parameters from experimental thermoluminescence and optically stimulated luminescence data. In-depth examinations of dose-response functions, superlinearity, supralinearity, and sublinearity, as well as the causes of non-linearity. Detailed examples with well-known materials. A Course in Luminescence Measurements and Analyses for Radiation Dosimetry is an invaluable guide for undergraduate and graduate students in the field of radiation dosimetry, as well as faculty and professionals in the field.
Advances in Ceramics
Author: Costas Sikalidis
Publisher: BoD – Books on Demand
ISBN: 9533075058
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 536
Book Description
The current book contains twenty-two chapters and is divided into three sections. Section I consists of nine chapters which discuss synthesis through innovative as well as modified conventional techniques of certain advanced ceramics (e.g. target materials, high strength porous ceramics, optical and thermo-luminescent ceramics, ceramic powders and fibers) and their characterization using a combination of well known and advanced techniques. Section II is also composed of nine chapters, which are dealing with the aqueous processing of nitride ceramics, the shape and size optimization of ceramic components through design methodologies and manufacturing technologies, the sinterability and properties of ZnNb oxide ceramics, the grinding optimization, the redox behaviour of ceria based and related materials, the alloy reinforcement by ceramic particles addition, the sintering study through dihedral surface angle using AFM and the surface modification and properties induced by a laser beam in pressings of ceramic powders. Section III includes four chapters which are dealing with the deposition of ceramic powders for oxide fuel cells preparation, the perovskite type ceramics for solid fuel cells, the ceramics for laser applications and fabrication and the characterization and modeling of protonic ceramics.
Publisher: BoD – Books on Demand
ISBN: 9533075058
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 536
Book Description
The current book contains twenty-two chapters and is divided into three sections. Section I consists of nine chapters which discuss synthesis through innovative as well as modified conventional techniques of certain advanced ceramics (e.g. target materials, high strength porous ceramics, optical and thermo-luminescent ceramics, ceramic powders and fibers) and their characterization using a combination of well known and advanced techniques. Section II is also composed of nine chapters, which are dealing with the aqueous processing of nitride ceramics, the shape and size optimization of ceramic components through design methodologies and manufacturing technologies, the sinterability and properties of ZnNb oxide ceramics, the grinding optimization, the redox behaviour of ceria based and related materials, the alloy reinforcement by ceramic particles addition, the sintering study through dihedral surface angle using AFM and the surface modification and properties induced by a laser beam in pressings of ceramic powders. Section III includes four chapters which are dealing with the deposition of ceramic powders for oxide fuel cells preparation, the perovskite type ceramics for solid fuel cells, the ceramics for laser applications and fabrication and the characterization and modeling of protonic ceramics.
Introduction to Optical Dating
Author: M. J. Aitken
Publisher: Clarendon Press
ISBN: 0191589276
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 282
Book Description
Optical dating is a rapidly developing technique, used primarily in the dating of sediments deposited in the last 500,000 or more years. As such increasing numbers of Quaternary geologists, physical geographers, archaeologists, and anthropologists are now relying on the results produced. Written by one of the foremost experts on optical dating, this book aims to bring together in a coherent whole the various strands of research that are ongoing in the area. It gives beginners an introduction to the technique as well as acting as a valuable source of up to date references. The text is divided into three parts; main text, technical notes and appendices. In this way the main text is accessible by those researchers with a limited knowledge of physics, with the technical notes providing depth of understanding for those who require it. The first part of the book is concerned with basic notions and an introduction to the standard techniques, as well as several illustrative case histories. It goes on to then discuss the limitations of the technique and factors affecting reliability.
Publisher: Clarendon Press
ISBN: 0191589276
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 282
Book Description
Optical dating is a rapidly developing technique, used primarily in the dating of sediments deposited in the last 500,000 or more years. As such increasing numbers of Quaternary geologists, physical geographers, archaeologists, and anthropologists are now relying on the results produced. Written by one of the foremost experts on optical dating, this book aims to bring together in a coherent whole the various strands of research that are ongoing in the area. It gives beginners an introduction to the technique as well as acting as a valuable source of up to date references. The text is divided into three parts; main text, technical notes and appendices. In this way the main text is accessible by those researchers with a limited knowledge of physics, with the technical notes providing depth of understanding for those who require it. The first part of the book is concerned with basic notions and an introduction to the standard techniques, as well as several illustrative case histories. It goes on to then discuss the limitations of the technique and factors affecting reliability.