Radiation in the service of the technologist

The role of radiation technology is discussed largely from the personal convictions of the author who illustrates from his own work the relation between somewhat abstract research and technological and industrial innovation. The advances in discharge tube detection of radiation, development of scintillation detectors, radar, radioastronomy, and nuclear energy studies are examples discussed. The great benefits to mankind of medical applications of nuclear radiation are one example which makes the advantages of such radiations appear to greatly outweigh the disadvantages. Researches on light such as the discovery of the laser, which are described, demonstrate further that there is no clear boundary between the area of pure science and these of engineering and technological exploitation. (U.K.)