Sensitivity of a mixed field dosimetry algorithm to uncertainties in thermoluminescent element readings

Journal Article · Wed Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1995 · Health Physics

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1097/00004032-199503000-00006· OSTI ID:255120

Kearfott, K J; Samei, E ^[1]; Han, S ^[2]

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1. Univ. of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (United States)
2. Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA (United States); and others

An error analysis of the effects of the algorithms used to resolve the deep and shallow dose components for mixed fields from multi-element thermoluminescent (TLD) badge systems was undertaken for a commonly used system. Errors were introduced independently into each of the four element readings for a badge, and the effects on the calculated dose equivalents were observed. A normal random number generator was then utilized to introduce simultaneous variations in the element readings for different uncertainties. The Department of Energy Laboratory Accrediatation Program radiation fields were investigated. Problems arising from the discontinuous nature of the algorithm were encountered for a number of radiation sources for which the algorithm misidentified the radiation field. Mixed fields of low energy photons and betas were found to present particular difficulties for the algorithm. The study demonstrates the importance of small fluctuations in the TLD element`s response in a multi-element approach. 24 refs., 5 figs., 7 tabs.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-84OR21400
• OSTI ID: 255120
• Journal Information: Health Physics, Journal Name: Health Physics Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 68; ISSN HLTPAO; ISSN 0017-9078
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

44 INSTRUMENTATION
INCLUDING NUCLEAR AND PARTICLE DETECTORS
56 BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
APPLIED STUDIES
99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS
ALGORITHMS
DOSE EQUIVALENTS
FLUCTUATIONS
PERFORMANCE
PHOTONS
RADIATION SOURCES
SENSITIVITY
THERMOLUMINESCENT DOSEMETERS
THERMOLUMINESCENT DOSIMETRY