Not all detectors measure the same radiation types.
| Type | What it is | Detection |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha | Heavy particles | Requires thin window detector |
| Beta | Electrons | Requires thin window detector |
| Gamma | High energy photons | Most detectors measure this |
| X‑ray | Similar to gamma | Most detectors measure this |
- GM pancake (windowed) = alpha + beta + gamma
- Energy‑compensated GM = gamma/X‑ray (dose accurate)
- Scintillation (NaI) = gamma (very sensitive)