System for use with solid state dosimeter

Patent · Mon Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1990

OSTI ID:867515

Miller, Steven D ^[1]; McDonald, Joseph C ^[2]; Eichner, Fred N ^[3]; Tomeraasen, Paul L ^[1]

---

1. Richland, WA
2. Pasco, WA
3. Kennewick, WA

The present invention constitutes a system for determining the amounts of ionizing radiation to which dosimeters using thermoluminescent materials have been exposed. In accordance with this system, the thermoluminescent materials which comprise the dosimeters are first cooled by contact with a cryogenic substance such as liquified nitrogen. The thermoluminescent materials are then optically stimulated by exposure to ultraviolet light. Thereafter, the amounts of visible light emitted by the thermoluminescent materials are detected and counted as the materials are allowed to warm up to room temperature. The amounts of luminescence exhibited by the materials are related to radiation exposure and provide a sensitive measure of radiation dosage. It has been discovered that the above procedure is most effective when heavily doped thermoluminescent materials are used and that the procedure allows many useful plastic materials to now be employed in dosimeter constructions.

• Research Organization: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC06-76RL01830
• Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute (OH)
• Patent Number(s): US 4954707
• OSTI ID: 867515
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

solid
dosimeter
constitutes
determining
amounts
ionizing
radiation
dosimeters
thermoluminescent
materials
exposed
accordance
comprise
cooled
contact
cryogenic
substance
liquified
nitrogen
optically
stimulated
exposure
ultraviolet
light
thereafter
visible
emitted
detected
counted
allowed
warm
temperature
luminescence
exhibited
related
provide
sensitive
measure
dosage
discovered
procedure
effective
heavily
doped
allows
useful
plastic
employed
constructions
plastic material
plastic materials
luminescent material
thermoluminescent material
heavily doped
ultraviolet light
visible light
ionizing radiation
light emitted
radiation exposure
violet light
luminescent materials
/250/