Implementation of retrospective dosimetry using ceramic material from spark plugs

Area of Science:

• Radiological Sciences
• Materials Science
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Retrospective dosimetry estimates past radiation doses using various evidence.
• Solid-state techniques like thermoluminescence (TL) and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) are key for dose reconstruction.
• Alumina-based ceramic insulators in automotive spark plugs exhibit luminescent properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential of automotive spark plug ceramic insulators as retrospective dosimeters.
• To evaluate the feasibility of using these components for radiation dose assessment.

Main Methods:

• Utilized thermoluminescence (TL) and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) techniques.
• Applied the single-aliquot regeneration-dose (SAR) protocol to spark plug insulators.
• Leveraged the high operational temperatures of spark plugs for signal resetting.

Main Results:

• Spark plug ceramic insulators demonstrated reliable dosimetric properties.
• The materials accurately recorded radiation dose distributions.
• High operational temperatures effectively cleared previous radiation signals.

Conclusions:

• Automotive spark plugs are viable materials for retrospective dosimetry.
• These components can be effectively used to map radiation doses in accidental exposure scenarios.