Image source: needpix.com
Beta radiation is also known as a beta ray or beta particle, and it is produced by radioactive matter. The beam has high energy. Fast electron and positron out send by decayed dangerous of the atomic nucleus in the process of decayed beta. Beta-decay is divided into two forms, beta decay positive and beta decay negative, which emits positrons and electrons, respectively. Beta rays with 0.5v energy are a distance of 1 M in the atmosphere, and the range depends on the power of the particle.
Beta rays are a form of ionizing radiation which are known to be more ionizing compared to gamma rays, however least ionizing to alpha particles in radiation protection. The living tissue gets damaged according to the range of ionizing effects. Besides, beta particles have medium penetrating and ionizing power on the contrary to alpha and gamma rays. Even though the beta rays produced by distinct radioactive matter change in energy, a good number of beta particles are stopped by aluminum. For all these reasons, beta is applied in a large range of fields today.
1. Medical imaging
Most radioisotopes chemicals that produce radiation are used in hospitals as medicine. Beta rays radioisotopes are used to illuminate parts in a patient to avoid the formation of specific tissues in a process called brachytherapy. This application has successfully helped to avoid the clogging of arteries known as stents. Additionally, they are used in other forms of therapy to get rid of cancer cells. It also is used to treat other health conditions like eye problems. Lastly, the production of beta radiation is utilized indirect in a medical examination procedure called positron emission tomography.
2. Industrial uses of beta radiation
Beta particles have been used abundantly in industrial processes. Beta rays can pass through industrial materials. For this reason, they measure the broadness of material films that are coming out from production lines, including plastic and paper films. The same process determines the purity of stitched seams in textiles. Moreover, the broadness of coatings like paint is concluded from the quantity of beta radiation sprinkled on the surface.
3. Tracers
Chemical and biology researchers use radioisotopes as tracers. The path of molecules in metabolic process or reaction can be tracked by following the radioactive indication of isotope through chemically synthesizing molecules in a radioactive atom. Carbon 14 is applicable in this process because it can be put inside a biological or organic molecule and tracked using a beta ray signal.
4. Quality control in industries
Beta rays are applicable when the testing thickness of things like paper, aluminum, and plastics from the system of rollers. A beta particle is absorbed when it is passed through the product. Either a thick or thin product absorbs a different amount of beta radiation. The program of the computer checking the quality of papers, change the rollers to adjust the thickness of the end product.
5. Future uses of beta radiation in catheter ablation
Energy sources such as beta radiation and the hot balloon will be used for lesion formation. Electrophysiologists are currently running experiments that could allow them to use phased arrays to collect images. Besides, they will also be able to use the same catheter to perform ablation in the future. That will allow real-time lesion formation assessment. However, today, unipolar RF ablation is the only option that we have for lesion formation. It will probably remain like this until all the beta radiation test experiments prove that beta is more efficient
6. Treating conditions such as eye and bone cancer
Beta radiation is used to treat eye and bone cancer. The eye is a very delicate part of the body, and that why lo energy electric rays are used in treatment. The best advantage of beta radiation when it comes to eye treatment is that ¾ of the rays are absorbed within the first 2mm. The remaining is absorbed within the next one mm. Other tissues of the eye cannot be damaged because of the low energy electrons. Bone cancer is also treated by using beta tracers or concentrating high energy electrons to the affected part.
7. Radiation therapy
Small superficial tumors can be treated with the use of beta radiation. For example, horses with SCC conditions involving the eyelid can be treated successfully. Beta radiation is limited to superficial lesions only because it does not penetrate deep into the tissues. Radiation therapy is one of the best uses of beta radiation. However, the whole process is costly and can cause some clinical complications such as permanent hair loss and cataract formation.
8.Therapeutics and Irradiation
Beta rays contain low energy electrons that are suitable for therapeutics. It refers to a branch of medicine that uses remedial agents to treat a health problem. Because beta rays contain low energy electrons, they are used in penetrating 3-4mm of a tissue. Therefore, the rays are used in superficial lesions treatment only. Dogs with chronic superficial Keratitis are treated by controlling pigmentation using the beta rays. Low energy electrons are not painful, and they do not penetrate deep in the tissue. Cats, rats, and horses conjunctiva and carcinoma are treated using this method too.
9. Teletherapy
High energy beta rays are used in teletherapy for focusing the tumor mass. These rays are the most suitable because they focus accurately, and no operator risks are incurred. Also, when beta rays are strongly powered, they can penetrate deep in a tumor without affecting or damaging the surrounding tissues. Gamma rays can be used for this purpose. Other rays cannot be used because they can cause damage to other tissues. A few cases of lymphoma, cell carcinoma, and Oral tumors have been successfully treated using this method.
10. Coat weight
Online measurements with moisture and beta rays sensors are used to generate coat weight. You will find these sensors located before the application of the coater and after. There is another alternative method that can be used instead of beta rays. Both ways are efficient, but using low energy x-ray transmission is more sensitive. Furthermore, it is mostly used for measuring fillers and coating ingredients before and after. If you want the simultaneous measurement of water, clay, latex, and cellulose fiber, replace beta rays with infrared sensors.
