Retrospective and emergency dosimetry in response to radiological incidents and nuclear mass-casualty events: A review

This paper reviews recent research on the application of the physical dosimetry techniques of electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and luminescence (optically stimulated luminescence, OSL, and thermoluminescence, TL) to determine radiation dose following catastrophic, large-scale radiological events. Such data are used in dose reconstruction to obtain estimates of dose due to the exposure to external sources of radiation, primarily gamma radiation, by individual members of the public and by populations. The EPR and luminescence techniques have been applied to a wide range of radiological studies, including nuclear bomb detonation (e.g., Hiroshima and Nagasaki), nuclear power plant accidents (e.g., Chernobyl), radioactive pollution (e.g., Mayak plutonium facility), and in the future could include terrorist events involving the dispersal of radioactive materials. In this review we examine the application of these techniques in ‘emergency’ and ‘retrospective’ modes of operation that are conducted on two distinct timescales. For emergency dosimetry immediate action to evaluate dose to individuals following radiation exposure is required to assess deterministic biological effects and to enable rapid medical triage. Retrospective dosimetry, on the other hand, contributes to the reconstruction of doses to populations and individuals following external exposure, and contributes to the long-term study of stochastic processes and the consequential epidemiological effects. Although internal exposure, via ingestion of radionuclides for example, can be a potentially significant contributor to dose, this review is confined to those dose components arising from exposure to external radiation, which in most studies is gamma radiation.The nascent emergency dosimetry measurement techniques aim to perform direct dose evaluations for individuals who, as members of the public, are most unlikely to be carrying a dosimeter issued for radiation monitoring purposes in the event of a radiation incident. Hence attention has focused on biological or physical materials they may have in their possession that could be used as surrogate dosimeters. For EPR measurements, in particular, this includes material within the body (such as bone or tooth biopsy) requiring invasive procedures, but also materials collected non-invasively (such as clippings taken from finger- or toenails) and artefacts within their personal belongings (such as electronic devices of which smart phones are the most common). For luminescence measurements, attention has also focused on components within electronic devices, including smartphones, and a wide range of other personal belongings such as paper and other polymer-based materials (including currency, clothing, bank cards, etc.). The paper reviews progress made using both EPR and luminescence techniques, along with their current limitations.For the longer-established approach of retrospective dosimetry, luminescence has been the most extensively applied method and, by employing minerals found in construction materials, it consequently is employed in dosimetry using structures within the environment. Recent developments in its application to large-scale radiation releases are discussed, including the atomic bomb detonations at Hiroshima and Nagasaki, fallout from the Chernobyl reactor and atmospheric nuclear bomb tests within the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site and fluvially transported pollution within the Techa River basin due to releases from the Mayak facility. The developments made in applying OSL and TL techniques are discussed in the context of these applications. EPR measurements with teeth have also provided benchmark values to test the dosimetry models used for Chernobyl liquidators (clean-up workers), residents of Semipalatinsk Nuclear Tests Sites and inhabitants of the Techa River basin.For both emergency and retrospective dosimetry applications, computational techniques employing radiation transport simulations based on Monte Carlo code form an essential component in the application of dose determinations by EPR and OSL to dose reconstruction problems. We include in the review examples where the translation from the physical quantity of cumulative dose determined in the sampled medium to a dose quantity that can be applied in the reconstruction of dose to individuals and/or populations; these take into account the source terms, release patterns and the movements of people in the affected areas. One role for retrospective luminescence dosimetry has been to provide benchmark dose determinations for testing the models employed in dose reconstruction for exposed populations, notably at Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The discussion is framed within the context of the well-known radiation incidents mentioned above.     

Optically stimulated luminescence dating properties of Martian sediment analogue materials exposed to a simulated Martian solar spectral environment

Deciphering the geomorphic, climatic, and hydrologic history of Mars will require an extensive geochronology on numerous time scales from both returned samples and in-situ measurements. Optically stimulated luminescence dating (OSL), or optical dating, is an established terrestrial geochronological method that is being developed as a member of a suite of dating tools for Mars. As part of this development process, we have built an optical system simulating the calculated Martian solar spectral irradiance taking into account seasonal variations due to attenuation of dust and the planet's orbital position and used it to catalogue the UV dosimetric response and optical dating behavior of a group of sediment analogues exposed to a simulated Martian spectral environment (SMSE) for the surface of the planet. Our results suggest that optical dating should not be compromised by the interaction of the enhanced UV radiation in the Martian spectrum with K-feldspar, Ca-feldspar, anhydrite, or hydrous Ca and Mg sulfates on Mars. However, Na-feldspar appears to be capable of acquiring and retaining an OSL signal under SMSE conditions, which could present a challenge for optical dating on Mars in sedimentary deposits containing more than a trace quantity of sodic feldspars.     

Non-resonant X-ray/laser interaction spectroscopy as a method for assessing charge competition, trapping and luminescence efficiency in wide band-gap materials

Using a conventional fast-shuttered laboratory X-ray source in combination with pulsed laser diode modules, the possibilities for undertaking X-ray/laser interaction spectroscopy in wide band-gap luminescent materials are explored. It is shown that in such materials, a variety of X-ray/laser timing sequences can extract complimentary information regarding the charge-carrier trapping, de-trapping and recombination processes. The effects on the luminescence are illustrated for six example materials (YPO₄:Ce,Sm, Lu₃Al₅O₁₂:Pr, Al₂O₃:C, natural sodium feldspar NaAlSi₃O₈, cubic BN and type IIa natural diamond). By ramping the temperature from 10 to 320 K during repeated X-ray pump/laser-probe activation cycles, a rapid assessment can be made of the important thermally dependent changes to the charge carrier trapping competition processes.     

Environmental dosimetry with the BeOSL personal dosimeter – State of the Art

In the course of this work, the possibility of the measurement of ambient dose equivalent H*(10) with the BeOSL dosimetry system was evaluated. Calculations for the energy response of the 2-element BeOSL dosimeter for irradiation with H*(10) were performed. The response doesn't fulfil the requirements of IEC 62387-1. Especially the response for photon energies of 60–100 keV is to low. It is possible to correct this under response using a modified BeOSL 2-element dosimeter and a linear algorithm. So the national requirements for a H*(10) dosimeter in Germany can be fulfilled. An incidence angle independent measurement is not possible because for several angles of incidences (>60°) the filters of the 2-element dosimeter doesn't shield the correct element. Another material which is more suitable for the H*(10) measurement was tested. So the doping of BeO with Lanthanum leads to an enhanced energy response for measurement of H*(10). Furthermore a higher OSL sensitivity was found for this material. Further tests on the influence of Lanthanum concentration on the dosimetric properties are necessary.     

SrSO4:Eu磷光体的光释光特性

研究了通过掺杂得到的SrSO4:Eu(01mol%)的粉末样品的光释光(OSL)特性.用90Sr的β射线辐照0116—116kGy后,测定了恒定光源激发的光释光发光曲线(CW-OSL)和线性光源激发的光释光发光曲线(LW-OSL),对发光曲线分析均得到了四种陷阱成分.采用复合作用响应函数得到SrSO4:Eu辐射剂量响应为线性-亚线性.测量了温度对OSL信号的影响,结果表明OSL信号的温度稳定性很好,最灵敏读出温度约为180℃,说明这时OSL信号来自热激发和光激发的共同作用.用60Coγ辐照100Gy后,测量了热释光(TL)三维光谱,确定了发光波长主要位于375nm,可以确定这是来自于Eu2+能级跃迁的发光.关键词：光释光热释光SrSO4:Eu     

Even electron species in the Gamma-radiolysis of liquid hydrocarbons

This paper summarizes the work of the conference and in the field, emphasizing important remaining problems and giving a general overall view of progress in the field.     

α-Al2O3单晶的热释光和光释光特性

研究了纯α-Al₂O₃单晶的热释光发光曲线和三维发光谱,以及光释光衰变曲线,对它们的发光机理和剂量学特性进行了分析和讨论.实验观察到α-Al₂O₃单晶β射线照射后立即测量的热释光发光曲线,有峰温为76℃和207℃两个发光峰.经γ射线照射数小时后测量的三维发光谱,只有峰温207℃波长为416 nm发光峰,它与α-Al₂O₃:C晶体的发光波长基本相同,是受热激发到导带的电子与F<关键词：2O₃')\" href=\"#\">α-Al₂O₃三维发光谱TL/OSL剂量响应     

Spectroscopy of the gamma and X ray leakage radiation from the built-in sources of a Risø TL/OSL reader

In this work we evaluate the intensity and the spectral shape of the leakage radiation from the built-in beta and alpha sources of a Risø TL/OSL reader. LiF (TLD-100), fluorite-based pellets and Al₂O₃:C detectors were used in order to determine the dose rate delivered to the dosimeters when the sources are closed. The leakage spectra under both alpha and beta sources were registered with a CdTe semiconductor detector. The spectrum measured under the beta source shows the X-ray beam generated by the interaction of the beta particles with the lead used to shield the source. Besides, the 59.4 keV gamma ray from ²⁴¹Am was registered under the alpha source. Dose rates from 50 to 100 μGy/h were obtained for the dosimeter positions in the turntable under the beta and the alpha sources with the luminescent dosimeters.     

Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) study of synthetic stishovite

Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) of synthetic stishovite was investigated for a future dating technique of meteor impact craters. Luminescence around 330 nm was measured on the γ-ray irradiated stishovite under two stimulating light sources of infrared laser (830 nm) and blue light emitting diode set (470 nm). Thermoluminescence (TL) studies before and after the OSL measurements showed the intensities around 100–200°C and 220–350°C to increase and those around 350–450°C to decrease. This indicates that a part of deep-trapped charges excited during the OSL measurements were retrapped by shallower traps. The infrared stimulated luminescence (IRSL) after the TL measurement up to 450°C could not be detected, while the blue light stimulated luminescence (BLSL) after TL had about one-tenth of the intensity before TL. This indicates that a part of the charges in shallower traps were detrapped thermally and returned to the deeper traps which were related to BLSL. The result implies that some of the BLSL-related traps are quite stable at room temperature and could be used for geological dating. In addition, two paramagnetic centers produced by sudden release of high pressure in synthesis process were found in the unirradiated stishovite by electron spin resonance (ESR). Their g-factors are g=2.00181 and g=2.00062 for an axial signal and g=2.00305 for the other isotropic signal. These signals could be used for an evidence of impacts if those signals could be stored in geological time.     

TL, OSL, and phototransferred TL in beta-irradiated anion-defective Al2O3

The behavior of TL, OSL and PTTL under thermal and/or optical stimulation in beta-irradiated -Al₂O₃ was investigated. The noticeable change of the shape of the main TL peak after thermal or optical stimulation clearly shows that this peak is related to at least two traps. The OSL curves recorded after preheating up to a given increased end temperatures are described by two exponential decays curves. The first one is associated to the decay of the traps responsible for the main TL peak. The second exponential is related with the phototransfer from the deep to the main traps. A simple model of the OSL process, based on simultaneous refilling of shallow traps and their reverse filling due to phototransfer from deep traps, under illumination with light is proposed. The model describes well the obtained experimental data.     

Performance comparison of OSLD (Al2O3:C) and TLD (LiF:Mg,Cu,P) in accreditation proficiency testing

The U.S. Navy uses a dosimetric system, which employs the LiF:Mg,Cu,P thermoluminescence dosimeters (TLDs), developed and produced by Thermo Fisher Scientific. Every two years, the Naval Dosimetry Center (NDC) performs proficiency testing to maintain its national accreditation. Since 2007, the U.S. Navy has also tested InLight Basic - OSLN Optically Stimulated Luminescence Al₂O₃:C dosimeters (OSLD) manufactured by Landauer. In 2011 and 2013, the Naval Dosimetry Center performed proficiency testing for both systems. Here we present a comparison of the performance of TLDs (LiF:Mg,Cu,P) and OSLDs (Al₂O₃:C) in five categories of proficiency testing. The testing included irradiation with photons, neutrons, beta particles and selected mixtures of these radiations. All irradiations were performed at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). The delivered doses were not reported to the NDC. The official comparison of delivered and reported doses was conducted by PNNL in terms of dose bias and its standard deviation for each category of accreditation. In total, the NDC reported to the PNNL doses for 147 dosimeters of each type (TLD and OSLD). Both NDC tested dosimetric systems have passed established limits. The comparison of OSLD and TLD system performance in each category is discussed. Advantages and disadvantages of both systems are analyzed.     

Time-resolved OSL studies of YAlO3:Mn2+ crystals

Time-Resolved Optically Stimulated Luminescence (TR-OSL) from single crystalline YAlO₃:Mn²⁺ samples was investigated using a green light emitting diode (λ ∼ 525 nm) as stimulation light source. The TR-OSL decay curve of the material can be described with a single exponential decay function with a lifetime about 80 ms that does not depend on irradiation dose in the range from 50 mGy to 1 kGy. This OSL decay is superposed on a photoluminescence signal with a much shorter (3.5 ms) decay lifetime. The Mn²⁺ photoluminescence decay with a lifetime of 3.5 ms can be easily eliminated by corresponding time resolution using pulsed OSL readout. Dose response and thermal stability of the OSL signal are consistent with the previous thermoluminescent (TL) studies of the material.