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Electronic neutron personal dosimetry with superheated drop detectors
F d'Errico1, R E Apfel, G Curzio
1Yale University School of Medicine, Dept Therapeutic Radiology, Div. Radiological Physics, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06510, USA. francesco.derrico@yale.edu
Radiation Protection Dosimetry
|October 6, 2001
Summary
A new electronic personal neutron dosemeter uses superheated drop detectors to measure radiation exposure. This device offers a low detection threshold and accurate dose equivalent response for neutron monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear instrumentation
- Radiation detection and measurement
Background:
- Personal neutron dosimetry is crucial for radiation safety.
- Existing methods face challenges in real-time monitoring and accuracy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a prototype electronic personal neutron dosemeter.
- To evaluate its performance against established requirements for neutron dosimetry.
Main Methods:
- Utilized superheated drop detectors with halocarbon-12 droplets.
- Implemented a low-power temperature controller for stable operation.
- Employed microprocessor-controlled bubble-counting electronics with piezoelectric transducers and acoustic analysis.
Main Results:
- Achieved a detection threshold of approximately 1 microSv.
- Demonstrated a personal dose equivalent response within a factor of 1.6 for neutrons from thermal to 62 MeV.
- Reported a response of 13 bubbles per microSv.
Conclusions:
- The developed electronic personal neutron dosemeter shows promising performance.
- It meets key requirements for effective neutron personal dosimetry.
- The device offers a viable solution for real-time radiation monitoring.
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