A flow calorimetric method of determining electron beam energy

Area of Science:

• Calorimetry
• Radiation Physics
• Physical Chemistry

Background:

• Accurate measurement of high-intensity electron beam energy is crucial for various scientific and industrial applications.
• Traditional calorimetry methods may face challenges with high dose rates and complex chemical interactions.
• Understanding the heat defect in water under irradiation is essential for precise energy determination.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the construction and validation of an adiabatic flow calorimeter for measuring high-intensity electron beam energy.
• To quantify the heat defect in water at high dose rates.
• To assess the feasibility of flow calorimetry for high-intensity electron beam dosimetry.

Main Methods:

• Construction of a specialized adiabatic flow calorimeter utilizing water as the working substance.
• Irradiation of water with a 15 MeV linear accelerator at high dose rates.
• Comparison of calorimetric measurements with magnetic measurements for validation.

Main Results:

• The heat defect due to chemical reactions in water at high dose rates was found to be small, approximately 0-3%.
• The adiabatic flow calorimeter demonstrated its capability for measuring the energy of high-intensity electron beams under these conditions.
• Measurements obtained with the calorimeter were consistent with those from magnetic measurements.

Conclusions:

• Adiabatic flow calorimetry with water is a viable and accurate method for measuring high-intensity electron beam energy.
• The heat defect in water is negligible at high dose rates, supporting the application of this calorimetry technique.
• This method offers a valuable alternative or complementary approach to magnetic measurements for electron beam dosimetry.