Evaluation of a digital optical ionizing radiation particle track detector

Technical Report · Mon Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1987

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6223499· OSTI ID:6223499

Hunter, S. R.

An ionizing radiation particle track detector is outlined which can, in principle, determine the three-dimensional spatial distribution of all the secondary electrons produced by the passage of ionizing radiation through a low-pressure (0.1 to 10 kPa) gas. The electrons in the particle track are excited by the presence of a high-frequency AC electric field, and two digital cameras image the optical radiation produced in electronic excitation collisions of the surroundings gas by the electrons. The specific requirements of the detector for neutron dosimetry and microdosimetry are outlined (i.e., operating conditions of the digital cameras, high voltage fields, gas mixtures, etc.) along with an estimate of the resolution and sensitivity achievable with this technique. The proposed detector is shown to compare favorable with other methods for obtaining the details of the track structure, particularly in the quality of the information obtainable about the particle track and the comparative simplicity and adaptability of the detector for measuring the secondary electron track structure for many forms of ionizing radiation over a wide range of energies.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-84OR21400
• OSTI ID: 6223499
• Report Number(s): ORNL/TM-10421; ON: DE87010582
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

440102* -- Radiation Instrumentation-- Radiation Dosemeters
46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
DESIGN
DIGITAL SYSTEMS
DOSIMETRY
ELECTRIC FIELDS
EMISSION
ENERGY TRANSFER
GAS SCINTILLATION DETECTORS
IONIZING RADIATIONS
LET
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
NEUTRON DOSIMETRY
RADIATION DETECTORS
RADIATIONS
SCINTILLATION COUNTERS
SECONDARY EMISSION