Effects of low-LET radiations on CR-39 track detector

The effects of Co-60 gamma-rays and about 25-MeV pulsed electrons have been investigated on CR-39 plastic nuclear track detector. The bulk etch rate was measured as a function of the absorbed dose under three different irradiation conditions; gamma-ray exposure in air at the dose rate of 6 kGy/h, that in vacuum and electron shower in air at 126 kGy/h on average. It was found that the bulk etch rate (V) increased nearly exponentially with the dose (D); V=V₀exp(kD), and the characteristic parameter (k) was 35, 9 and 12 MGy⁻¹, respectively. It is considered that a lack of oxygen in damage formation processes could occur momentarily during a short electron pulse, just similarly to the vacuum effect of reduction in track etch rates in outgassed CR-39 plastic.     

Depth-dependence of the bulk etch rate of gamma-ray irradiated CR-39 track detector

The depth-dependent bulk etch rate has been examined for the gamma-irradiated CR-39 at doses ranging from 20 to 100 kGy. The thickness of the damaged region in gamma-irradiated CR-39 plastics, in which the bulk etch rate was significantly enhanced, was found to be limited in the thin layer near the surface and decreases with increasing the dose-rate, while it barely depend on the total dose. This indicates that it is possible to apply CR-39 plastics as high dose gamma-dosimeter by assessing both the bulk etch rate in the damaged region and its thickness in principle.     

双极线性稳压器电离辐射剂量率效应及其损伤分析

为了对双极线性稳压器在电离辐射环境下损伤变化特征及其剂量率效应进行研究,选择一组器件进行⁶⁰Co γ高低剂量率的辐照和退火试验. 结果表明线性稳压器的输出电压、最大负载电流、线性调整率、压降电压等多个关键参数都有不同程度的蜕变. 且各器件在高低剂量率下的辐照响应略有不同,表现出不同的剂量率效应. 文中通过多种形式的测试结果分析,系统地讨论了各参数变化的原因及其内部各模块对稳压器功能的影响. 结合电离损伤退火特性,探讨了各剂量率效应形成的原因. 这不但对工程应用考核提供了参考,而且为设 关键词： 双极线性稳压器 总剂量效应 剂量率效应 辐射损伤     

Effect of high gamma dose on the PADC properties

The effect of the properties of PADC nuclear track detectors after exposure to high doses of gamma absorbed doses up to 5×10⁵ Gray (50 Mrad) were studied. The gamma source was a 9.03 PBq (244 KCi), Co-60 source. Results indicate that each of the bulk etch rate (V_b), the tracks etch rate (V_t) and the sensitivity (V) of the detectors increases with the high gamma absorbed dose, but there is a drop in these parameters at the low gamma absorbed dose. Signs of surface roughness were observed by increasing the gamma absorbed doses and changes in color observed for doses larger than 2×10⁵ Gray. The temperature of detectors during irradiation time reached 41°C. The fission fragment tracks (from Cf-252 source) disappeared quickly within the etching time (minutes) for total absorbed doses greater than 3×10⁵ Gray due to their high bulk etch rate.     

超深亚微米互补金属氧化物半导体器件的剂量率效应

对0.18 μm互补金属氧化物半导体(CMOS)工艺的N型金属氧化物半导体场效应晶体管(NMOSFET)及静态随机存储器(SRAM)开展了不同剂量率下的电离总剂量辐照试验研究. 结果表明: 在相同累积剂量, SRAM的低剂量率辐照损伤要略大于高剂量率辐照的损伤, 并且低剂量率辐照损伤要远大于高剂量率辐照加与低剂量率辐照时间相同的室温退火后的损伤. 虽然NMOSFET 低剂量率辐照损伤略小于高剂量率辐照损伤, 但室温退火后, 高剂量率辐照损伤同样要远小于低剂量率辐照损伤. 研究结果表明0.18 μm CMOS工艺器件的辐射损伤不是时间相关效应. 利用数值模拟的方法提出了解释CMOS器件剂量率效应的理论模型.     

Effects of stirring on the bulk etch rate of CR-39 detector

It is well established that the bulk etch rates for solid state nuclear track detectors are affected by the concentration and the temperature of the etchant. Recently, we found that the bulk etch rate for the LR 115 detector to be affected by stirring during etching. In the present work, the effects of stirring on the bulk etch rate of the CR-39 detector is investigated. One set of sample was etched under continuous stirring by a magnetic stirrer at 70°C in a 6.25 N NaOH solution, while the other set of samples was etched without the magnetic stirrer. After etching, the bulk etch thickness was measured using Form Talysurf PGI (Taylor Hobson, Leicester, England). It was found that magnetic stirring did not affect the bulk etch of the CR-39 detector, which was in contrast to the results for the LR 115 detector.     

NMOS器件不同剂量率γ射线辐射响应的理论预估

介绍了利用线性响应理论预估CC4007-NMOS器件在剂量率01，23，44和91rad(Si)/s下的辐射损伤情况，理论预估值和试验结果符合得比较好.利用线性响应理论预估了CC4007-NMOS器件从低剂量率到高剂量率环境下的辐射损伤及25℃长时间退火情况，结果表明，在相同偏压下，高剂量率辐照加室温退火所引起的阈值电压漂移量在误差容许的范围内等于低剂量率辐照的漂移量，两者总的时间相同.利用线性响应理论预估CC4007-NMOS器件在不同剂量率辐照下的失效剂量.     

On the dose-rate estimate of carbonate-rich sediments for trapped charge dating

In a wide range of environmental conditions sediments are subject to changing water content and carbonate cementation during burial. Trapped charge dating of these carbonate-rich deposits requires the determination of a dose rate which is not constant during burial because sediments were subject to post-depositional geochemical alterations. The dose-rate model established in this study assumes linear increase of carbonate mass and linear decrease of water mass in pores between sediment particles during burial. Numerical modelling assesses the effect of carbonate and water on the infinite-matrix dose rate as a function of time. Sensitivity testing of the system indicated that water and carbonate content have the greatest effect on the resulting dose rate, followed by the timing of onset and completion of carbonate formation. As a consequence, a comprehensive re-calculation of the water correction factors was undertaken. It revealed a 5% lower value for the annual beta dose and a 10% lower value for the annual gamma dose compared to values formulated by Zimmerman [1971. Thermoluminescence dating using fine grains from pottery. Archaeometry 13, 29–52].

The dose-rate model was tested using samples from geologically well-constrained coastal sites. The differences between onset and final dose rate were up to 30% resulting in differences between modelled and conventional optical ages between 2% and 15% depending on the final (today's) water and carbonate content. The divergence of dates may be greater under certain conditions. The dose-rate model can be applied to a wide range of contexts similar to those considered in this case study.     

Monitoring environmental dose rate using Risø TL/OSL readers with built-in sources: recommendations for users

Measurements were carried out to quantify the dose rate delivered to samples due to leakage and cross-talk of the beta and alpha sources in various models of Risø TL/OSL readers; additionally the offset time was calculated. Highly sensitive -Al₂O₃:C and CaF₂:Mn dosemeters were used to investigate the impact on low environmental dose-rate assessment. The effect is shown to depend on the energy response of the detectors, the source strength and the reader design of the equipment. It was tested, if the scattered radiation of the closed source can be utilised to extend the dose range downwards to lower doses, as the dose rates of the built-in sources of Risø TL/OSL readers often exceed the practical values for ultra-low-dose measurements. The results and their consequences for environmental dose-rate assessment are discussed.     

Micro-track structure analysis for 100 MeV Si ions in CR-39 by using atomic force microscopy

To analyze the micro-track structure of heavy ions in a polymer material,parameters including bulk etch rate,track etch rate,etch rate ratio,and track core size were measured.The pieces of CR-39 were exposed to 100 MeV Si ions with normal incidence and were etched in 6.25N NaOH solution at 70 C.Bulk etch rate was read out by a profilemeter after several hours of etching.The other parameters were obtained by using an atomic force microscope(AFM)after a short time of etching.We have measured the second etch pits and minute etch pits to obtain the track growth curve and three dimension track structures to track the core size and etch rate measurements.The local dose of the track core was calculated by theδ-ray theory.In our study,we figure out that the bulk etch rate Vb=(1.58±0.022)μm/h,the track etch rate Vt=(2.90±0.529)μm/h,the etch rate ratio V=1.84±0.031,and the track core radii r≈4.65 nm.In the meantime,we find that the micro-track development violates the traditional track-growth model.For this reason,a scenario is carried out to provide an explanation.     

A comparative study of gamma radiation effects on track properties of different PADC detectors

Track properties of gamma-irradiated polyallyldiglycol carbonate (PADC) detectors (Homalite, Pershore and Trastrack) are studied in the dose range of 10¹–10⁶ Gy. Results show that the bulk and track etch rates of all three types of PADC detector increase at doses higher than 10⁴ Gy. This increase is more pronounced in post-gamma exposed detectors. The change in etch rate ratio (S) for post-gamma exposed PADC–Homalite detectors is more significant when compared with the other detectors. The critical angle for etching shows that etching at a low temperature of 60 °C is more effective, and the critical angle value is decreased to a significant extent for all three types of PADC detectors. Etching efficiency of post-gamma exposed samples is found to be much higher than the pre-gamma exposed sample at the highest dose of 10⁶ Gy. When compared, it was found that of the three PADC detectors, PADC–Homalite detectors seem to be more sensitive to gamma irradiation.     

CR-39 and Lexan calibrated as low-LET radiation dosimeter, for three Mexican irradiation facilities

An experimental calibration of two common nuclear track detectors, CR-39 and Lexan, for gamma and electrons radiation, was performed using various irradiation facilities. The dose response was obtained as a function of two parameters, the bulk etch rate and the UV absorbance for a wide dose range from 10 to 1000 kGy. The bulk etch rate sensitivity, for gamma and electrons, in CR-39 detector is higher than for Lexan detector. Lexan has a well-defined UV absorbance spectrum, but presents saturation for doses higher than 500 kGy, the same saturation characteristic is observed for the corresponding bulk etch rate response. For electron and gamma radiation, CR-39 shows a good response for doses from 10 kGy up to 1000 kGy, where data fit well an exponential curve for electrons and a lineal curve for gamma radiation.     

Impact of Dose-Rate on Rheology,Structure and Wear of Irradiated UHMWPE

Ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is used as a bearing material in total joint replacements (TJR). UHMWPE for TJR is usually modified by irradiation and thermal treatment to increase wear resistance. We modified UHMWPE in three ways, differing in radiation dose-rate and/or atmosphere during irradiation. Rheological properties before and after irradiation were determined by means of oscillatory shear measurements. Structural changes were followed by X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, electron spin resonance, and solubility measurements. Wear resistance of selected samples was obtained by the pin-on-disk method. Rheological properties changed sensitively with modification conditions including radiation dose rate. Moreover, rheological results correlated well with both crosslinking extent and wear resistance. Finally, it was demonstrated that the optimal radiation dose, i.e. the dose leading to maximum crosslinking density and wear resistance, was different for each of the three modification procedures.     

A comparative study of track registration response of makrofol-(KG, KL & N) polycarbonate to Ar ions

In the present work a comparative study of track registration response of ⁴⁰Ar ions in different types of Makrofol polycarbonates viz. Makrofol-KG, KL & N have been done. The etched track parameters viz. bulk etch rate, track etch rate, etch rate ratio, cone angle and etching efficiency were calculated. The variation of etching rates with temperature were found to be exponential and follow the Arrhenius equation. The values of activation energy for bulk and track etching were also calculated. Maximum etchable track length/range were also obtained and compared with the theoretical values obtained from computer program RANGE. From the results it is found that the polycarbonates having same chemical composition manufactured by different chemical processes have slightly different behavior.     

Track revelation and optical properties of pentaerythritol tetrakis (allyl carbonate) plastic for application as nuclear track detector: effects of gamma radiations

The etching conditions of an indigenously prepared thin film of pentaerythritol tetrakis(allyl carbonate) (PETAC) were standardised for the use as a nuclear track detector. The optimum etching times in 6?N NaOH at 70°C for the appearance of fission and alpha tracks recorded in this detector from a ²⁵²Cf solid source were found to be 30 min and 1.50?h, respectively. The experimentally determined values for the bulk and track-etch rates for this detector in 6?N NaOH at 70°C were found to be 1.7?±?0.1 and 88.4?±?10.7?µm/h, respectively. From these results, the important track etching properties such as the critical angle of etching, the sensitivity and the fission track registration efficiency were calculated and compared with the commercially available detectors. The activation energy value for bulk etching calculated by applying Arrhenius equation to the bulk etch rates of the detector determined at different etching temperatures was found to be 0.86?±?0.02?eV. This compares very well with the value of about 1.0?eV reported for most commonly used track detectors. The effects of gamma irradiation on this new detector in the dose range of 200–1000?kGy have also been studied using bulk etch rate technique. The activation energy values for bulk etching calculated from bulk etch rates measurements at different temperatures were found to decrease with the increase in gamma dose indicating scission of the detector due to gamma irradiation. The optical band gap of this detector was also determined using UV–visible spectrometry and the value was found to be 4.37?±?0.05?eV.     

Oxygen (O6+) ion beam irradiation effects on etching parameter in lexan polymeric track detector

The polymer Lexan was irradiated to 80MeV O⁶⁺ ion beam using the 15UD pelletron at Inter University Accelerator Centre, New Delhi. The ion fluence ranging from 10¹¹ to 3 × 10¹² ions/cm² has been used to study the dose effects of irradiation on Lexan. By using the etching technique, it is observed that the bulk etch rate of the sample increases with increasing the ion influence, while the activation energy associated with it show a decreasing trend which can be explained on the basis of polymer degradation.      

Dose rate effect of gamma on JFET transistors

Dose rate effects on the noise characteristics of gamma-irradiated junction field effect transistors (JFETs) are presented. The dose rate varied between 0.5 and 19 kGy/h at a constant radiation dose of 600 kGy. Neither obvious nor non-general relationship was identified between noise and dose rate along the total dose rate range. Nevertheless, some explanations have been provided about the resulting effects when the total range was studied, as some partial ranges corresponded to low, medium and high dose rates. This explanation is based on the gamma interaction process in JFET structure and the electronic noise resulted.     

Response of CR-39 to medium energy electron irradiation

The effect of 5-15 keV electron irradiation on the etch rate of CR-39 nuclear track detectors has been investigated for surface doses from 0.09 to 13.85 J/cm2. Even before etching, electrons produce a surface depression proportional to the surface dose raised to the power 0.78 +/- 0.01. Etch rate enhancement was observed in the surface region (about 4 micrometers deep) and was well approximated by a Gaussian function of depth. The depth and thickness of the etch rate enhancement increase with increasing electron energy, but are independent of dose. The maximum etch rate is proportional to the peak volumetric dose raised to the power of 1.45 +/- 0.06, independent of electron energy. No signs of a saturated response were found in the etch rate. This enhanced etching rate may significantly affect nuclear track identification in situations with an electron background.     

Measurement of the track etch rates along proton and alpha particle trajectories in CR-39 and calculation of the detection efficiency

Computation of the neutron response of CR-39 detectors needs to simulate the track formation by neutron induced charged particles taking into account the bulk etch rate and the track etch rate varying along the particle trajectories. The latter one was determined experimentally by track length measurement. The results allowed to derive the relationship between the track etch rate and the restricted energy loss of the charged particles. On this basis, the geometrical track parameters and track etch rates as well as the critical angle of particle incidence could be determined for protons and alpha particles in the energy range from 0.2 to 8.8 MeV. The energy dependence of the critical angle enabled to determine the detection efficiency for a charged particle of given energy and direction.     

Effect of gamma rays on PADC detectors

The effect of Gamma radiation in Polyallydiglycol carbonate (PADC) detectorrs has been studied in the dose range of 10⁰–10⁶ Gy. Some of the properties like bulk-etch rate, track-etch rate, activation energy for bulk and track-etching have been found out for different gamma doses from ⁶⁰Co Source in PADC. The experimental results are presented and discussed.