What is an air-filled cavity used for radiation detection referred to as?

An air-filled cavity used for radiation detection is referred to as an ionization chamber. This device works on the principle of ionization, where incoming radiation interacts with the air inside the chamber, creating ion pairs. The chamber typically consists of electrodes with a voltage applied across them, allowing the collection of these ion pairs as electrical charge. The resulting current is proportional to the amount of radiation that passes through the chamber, making it an effective tool for measuring radiation levels in various environments.

Ionization chambers are commonly used in both monitoring and research applications due to their ability to provide accurate measurements of dose rates. This capability is essential in contexts such as nuclear power plants, hospitals, and laboratories, where precise radiation detection and monitoring are critical for safety and health purposes.