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Cosmic rays and dosimetry at aviation altitudes
D O'Sullivan1, D Zhou, W Heinrich
1Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS), Astrophysics Section, Dublin, Ireland.
Radiation Measurements
|May 25, 2002
Summary
Aircrew exposure to cosmic radiation is a concern. CR-39 detectors measured radiation at aircraft altitudes, validating techniques against simulated fields for accurate dose assessment.
Area of Science:
- Atmospheric physics and radiation dosimetry.
- Nuclear track detector applications in aviation dosimetry.
Background:
- Growing concerns about cosmic radiation effects on aircrew health.
- Need for precise measurements of atmospheric neutral and charged particle radiation at flight altitudes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure charge and LET spectra of radiation at aircraft altitudes using CR-39 detectors.
- To analyze short-range tracks from high LET particles, primarily from neutron interactions.
- To validate the CR-39 detector technique by comparing measurements with a simulated aviation radiation field.
Main Methods:
- Deployment of CR-39 nuclear track detectors on subsonic and supersonic aircraft.
- Analysis of short-range tracks produced by high LET particles.
- Calibration and validation using the CERN-CEC field, simulating aviation radiation environments.
Main Results:
- Successful measurement of charge and LET spectra at aircraft altitudes.
- Identification of radiation components primarily from neutron interactions.
- Good agreement between CR-39 detector measurements and dose values from heavy ion calibration at the CERN-CEC field.
Conclusions:
- CR-39 detectors are effective for long-term, passive measurement of radiation fields at aviation altitudes.
- The technique accurately characterizes high LET particle contributions, crucial for aircrew radiation dose assessment.
- Validated methodology provides reliable data for understanding and mitigating radiation risks in aviation.