Optically stimulated luminescence in retrospective dosimetry

Area of Science:

• Physics
• Environmental Science
• Materials Science

Background:

• Extensive research since the 1990s at Risø has focused on optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) for retrospective accident dosimetry.
• Development of measurement facilities and techniques is crucial for accurate dose assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review outcomes of the Risø OSL dosimetry program.
• To evaluate the single-aliquot regenerative-dose (SAR) protocol using brick quartz.
• To determine dose-depth profiles in building materials for radiation energy estimation.

Main Methods:

• Evaluation of the single-aliquot regenerative-dose (SAR) measurement protocol.
• Determination of dose-depth profiles in building materials.
• Application of small-aliquot and single-grain OSL techniques.
• Investigation of OSL properties in household chemicals.

Main Results:

• A lower detection limit of <10 mGy was determined for quartz from Chernobyl bricks.
• Dose-depth profiles in building materials were established to estimate incident radiation mean energy.
• Initial measurements of doses in unheated building materials (mortar, concrete) were performed.
• Preliminary investigation into OSL properties of household chemicals for potential dosemeter use.

Conclusions:

• OSL, particularly the SAR protocol, is effective for retrospective accident dosimetry in various materials.
• Building materials like mortar and concrete show potential for accident dose assessment using OSL.
• Further research into household chemicals may reveal new applications for OSL dosimetry.