NOVELTY - An irradiation apparatus comprises beam-strength monitors disposed between a charged-particle beam generator (10) and an item (30) on a conveyor. A first beam-strength monitor measures the beam strength beam before entering the item while a second monitor measures the beam-strength after passing the item.    USE - The method is used in creating coatings on tools by synthesis of powdered materials, e.g. diamond-like coatings (DLC), nanophase silicon nitride coatings, and high purity metal coatings; and in surface modifications, e.g. cleaning of metals, surface hardening of metals, and corrosion resistance applications. It is also used in the destruction of toxic gases, e.g. cleaning of flue gases for oxides of sulfur and nitrogen, removing exhaust gases from diesel engines, and destroying fluorine gases and aromatic hydrocarbons; and in treatment of liquid materials, e.g. destroying organic wastes, breaking down of toxic hydrocarbons such as trichloroethylenes, propanes, benzenes, phenols, and halogenated chemicals, and drying of liquids such as ink in printing machines, lacquers, and paints. It can be used in food industry, e.g. disinfecting food stuffs such as sugar, grains, coffee beans, fruits, vegetables, and spices; pasteurizing milk; sanitizing meat such as poultry, pork, and sausage; inhibiting sprouting; and extending storage life. It may also be used in generating ultraviolet irradiation, converting electron beam to x-rays or gamma rays, and producing neutrons, excimer lasers, and ozone; and for controlled cross-linking, degrading, and drafting of polymers, modifying plastics, polymerizing epoxy compounds, sterilizing polymer units, and vulcanizing rubber. The determination of dose absorption can be used in determining a product's local mass.    ADVANTAGE - There is a real time measurement and accurate determination of the absorbed doses. Dosing errors are reduced, and the on-line automatic control and modification of irradiation process assures prescribed dosing.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - An INDEPENDENT CLAIM is also included for a method of irradiating a moving item by a charged particle beam.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The drawing shows a perspective view of an e-beam irradiation system.    Beam generator (10)    Beam deflection circuit (16)    Item (30)    Detector arrays (40a-40c)    Detectors (42)    Amplifier (44)    Converter (46)