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[[File:Dosimeter in Chernobyl.jpg|thumbnail|right|A person holding a Geiger counter.]]
A '''Geiger counter''' (or '''Geiger–Müller counter''') is an instrument that is used for the measure of [[Radiation safety|radiation]]. It was invented by Hans Geiger, who is perhaps more famous among physicists (though not the general public) for the [[Geiger-Marsden experiment]], which was the experiment that led Ernest Rutherford to deduce the existence of the atomic nucleus.
A '''Geiger counter''' (or '''Geiger–Müller counter''') is an instrument that is used for the measure of [[Radiation safety|radiation]]. It was invented by Hans Geiger, who is perhaps more famous among physicists (though not the general public) for the [[Geiger-Marsden experiment]], which was the experiment that led Ernest Rutherford to deduce the existence of the atomic nucleus.
But this method could not "see" individual disintegrations. In order to do that, the ionization from a single atom needs to amplified into an electric current that can be detected electronically. A Geiger counter does this by turning a current of a million or so elementary charges into a much larger current; large enough for vacuum tube amplifiers to detect and turn into and audible "click" on a speaker or headphones.
But this method could not "see" individual disintegrations. In order to do that, the ionization from a single atom needs to amplified into an electric current that can be detected electronically. A Geiger counter does this by turning a current of a million or so elementary charges into a much larger current; large enough for vacuum tube amplifiers to detect and turn into and audible "click" on a speaker or headphones.
Another problem Geiger counters have is when too much radiation is present. They can 'saturate', or overload. This results in them either reading 'OVERLOAD' or dropping to 0. A false reading of 0. This can result in many issues such as the operator thinking the area is clear of radiation when it is the opposite.
==Construction==
==Construction==