EPR and UV spectrometry investigation of sucrose irradiated with carbon particles

Solid state/EPR (SS/EPR) dosimeters of carbon ions irradiated sucrose are studied with EPR, and their water solutions – with UV spectroscopy. Doses between 20 and 200 Gy are used with linear energy transfer (LET) values for carbon ions of 63, 77, 96 and 230 keV μm^?1. After irradiation all samples show typical for irradiated sucrose EPR and UV spectra. The obtained data are compared with those previously reported for nitrogen particles and gamma rays irradiated sucrose. The identical shape of both the EPR and UV spectra of irradiated with various type radiation samples suggests that generated free radicals are not influenced by the nature of radiation. The lack of difference in the line width of the separate lines or the whole EPR spectrum, obtained for gamma and heavy particles irradiation, suggests negligible spin–spin interaction among the radiation-generated free radicals in the samples. The linear dependence of the EPR response on the absorbed dose radiation is found to be higher when generated by gamma rays, than by the same absorbed dose of heavy particles. In addition, the EPR response for carbon ions is higher than that for nitrogen ions. Water solutions of irradiated sucrose exhibit UV spectrum with absorption maximum at 267 nm, attributed to the recombination products of free radicals. The UV band intensity depends on the absorbed dose radiation. The UV spectra obtained for carbon, nitrogen and gamma rays irradiated sucrose are also compared.     

EPR and UV spectroscopic investigations of sucrose irradiated with heavy-ion particles

Crystalline sucrose irradiated with C and Si ions is investigated with EPR and UV spectroscopy. Samples are treated at different doses of radiation in the region 20–300 Gy and linear energy transfer (LET) values of 39.6, 49 and 58 keV μm^?1 for C ions and 60 keV μm^?1 for Si ions. All samples exhibit identical EPR spectra due to radiation-induced stable sucrose radicals. At given constant LET the EPR signal responses are linear to the absorbed doses of Si and C ions. Water solutions of irradiated sucrose exhibit UV absorption maximum at 267 nm due to the product of radical recombination. The intensity of this band is stronger at irradiation with Si than with C ions. UV absorption is more sensitive to heavy-ion species irradiation than the EPR signals.     

UV dosimeter based on polyamide woven fabric and nitro blue tetrazolium chloride as an active compound

This paper reports on the preparation and features of a UV light dosimeter composed of nitro blue tetrazolium chloride (NBT) and polyamide woven fabric. This textile dosimeter is based on the conversion reaction of NBT into formazan, which was initially examined in aerated aqueous solutions through steady state UV irradiation. Irradiated solutions change their colour as a consequence of the formation of polydisperse NBT formazan particles. This was analysed in relation to the absorbed dose of UV light through UV–VIS spectrophotometry and dynamic laser light scattering measurements. When NBT substrate molecules are embedded in polyamide textile, UV irradiation leads to similar effects as in solution. However, the tinge intensity changes at much lower absorbed doses. The dependence of the tinge intensity on the absorbed dose was followed by measurements of the remission of light from the NBT-polyamide samples. Consequently, the calibration parameters were calculated such as the dose sensitivity, dose range, and quasi-linear dose range. An improvement of the NBT-polyamide samples by application of a colour levelling agent and improvement of their resistance to humidity is presented. Finally, the samples were used for estimation of absorbed UV energy distribution showing their capability as new dosimeters for in-plane high resolution radiation dose measurements.     

EPR of gamma-irradiated polycrystalline alanine-in-glass dosimeter

This study attempts to overcome some of the reported discrepancies in alanine-EPR reproducibility that may be related to alanine dosimeter preparation and/or EPR spectrometer settings. The dosimeters were prepared by packing pure polycrystalline $\text{<mi mathsize="small" is="true">L</mi>}\text{-}\alpha \text{-}\mathrm{alanine}$ directly as supplied by the manufacturer in glass tubes. This dosimeter production scheme avoids any possible contribution to the EPR signal from a binding material. The dosimeters were irradiated with gamma ray to low-dose ranges typical for medical therapy (0–20 Gy). Special attention has been paid to the study of minimum detectable dose, measurement repeatability and reproducibility, and post-irradiation stability. The dosimeter exhibited a linear dose response in the dose range from 0.1 to 20 Gy. These positive properties favor the polycrystalline alanine-in-glass tube as a radiation dosimeter.     

EPR Investigation of Radical-Production Cross Sections for Sucrose and L-alanine Irradiated with X-rays and Heavy-ions

Using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), we investigated stable radical-production cross sections (σ) of sucrose and L-alanine radicals produced by heavy-ion irradiations with various linear energy transfers (LET). The heavy-ion irradiation results were compared with those of X-ray irradiation at the same dose. The EPR signal areas for the two compounds showed a linear relation with the absorbed dose, as well as a logarithmic correlation with the LET. Further analysis was carried out for the radical-production cross section, which showed that stable radicals of the two compounds were produced through collisions of several particles with a single molecule. The relative σ value of sucrose for C ion irradiation was (1.29 ± 0.64) × 10⁻¹² μm². The σ value of alanine for C ion irradiation was (6.83 ± 0.42) × 10⁻¹³ μm². Considering the structural molecular sizes of sucrose and alanine, the σ values are similar. In addition, a comparison of the EPR results for the C ions and X-rays at 50 Gy dose was made. Sucrose spin concentrations produced by C ions at the LET value of 13.1 keV/μm and X-rays were similar unlike alanine. Thus, the noble EPR results with X-ray and heavy-ion irradiations imply that sucrose can be useful as a radiation indicator.     

EPR dosimeter material properties of potassium tartrate hemihydrate

The ability of potassium tartrate hemihydrate as a radiation sensitive material for electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) dosimetry was investigated. The samples were subjected to different doses, in the range of 1–9 Gy of ⁶⁰Co gamma rays at room temperature. The EPR spectra were investigated through variation of signal intensity with respect to absorbed dose, magnetic field modulation amplitude, microwave power and time stability. The results indicate that the sensitivity of potassium tartrate hemihydrate is about 30% higher than that of alanine. However, the EPR signal is timely less stable within the first two weeks after irradiation.     

EPR dosimetry in chemically treated fingernails

By using EPR measurements of radiation-induced radicals it is possible to utilize human fingernails to estimate radiation dose after-the-fact. One of the potentially limiting factors in this approach is the presence of artifacts due to mechanically induced EPR signals (MIS) caused by mechanical stress during the collection and preparation of the samples and the so-called background (non-radiation) signal (BKS). The MIS and BKS have spectral parameters (shape, g-factor and linewidth) that overlap with the radiation-induced signal (RIS) and therefore, if not taken into account properly, could result in a considerable overestimation of the dose. We have investigated the use of different treatments of fingernails with chemical reagents to reduce the MIS and BKS. The most promising chemical treatment (20 min with 0.1 M dithiothreitol aqueous solution) reduced the contribution of MIS and BKS to the total intensity of EPR signal of irradiated fingernails by a factor of 10. This makes it potentially feasible to measure doses as low as 1 Gy almost immediately after irradiation. However, the chemical treatment reduces the intensity of the RIS and modifies dose dependence. This can be compensated by use of an appropriate calibration curve for assessment of dose. On the basis of obtained results it appears feasible to develop a field-deployable protocol that could use EPR measurements of samples of fingernails to assist in the triage of individuals with potential exposure to clinically significant doses of radiation.     

EPR study of table sugar rod and powder as high dose dosimeters

In order to improve the ease of sample handling, the reproducibility of signal detection and quantification, simple methods of incorporating a homogeneous mixture containing sugar powder (30%) with wax (35%) and rubber (35%) into rods has been adopted. The dose response, the time stability of the free radicals produced in table sugar dosimeters (in both rod and powder form) by gamma radiation and the effect of the temperature during irradiation were studied by EPR (Electron Paramagnetic Resonance). The peak-to-peak height (PPH) measurement of the EPR signal is studied as a function of the absorbed gamma dose in the range 0.1–58 kGy. For the two forms, a linear dependency is found between 0.1 and 26 kGy. At higher doses the EPR signal amplitude continues to grow but non-linear up to 58 kGy. The dependence of temperature during irradiation has been investigated in the temperature range 25–40 °C and the calculated correction coefficients were found (2.7 ± 0.2)% °C^?1 and (1.5 ± 0.3)% °C^?1, respectively, for powder and rod forms. The time stability of the stored sugar samples was investigated for 34 days at room temperature, a rapid decrease of EPR signal was showed immediately after irradiation followed by slowly decrease.     

Potential use of wallboard (drywall) for EPR retrospective dosimetry

Concern regarding the possibility of criminal or terrorist use of nuclear materials has led to an interest in developing the capability to measure radiation dose in a variety of natural and manufactured materials. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) measurements of radiation dose following a radiological incident may aid in screening affected populations (triage) and in reconstruction of doses following accidents. One such EPR dosimeter is wallboard (drywall), a common construction material composed largely of gypsum (calcium sulphate dihydrate). We have identified the CO₃⁻ and SO₃⁻ dose-sensitive lines in drywall and developed a measurement protocol using the intensity of CO₃⁻ line. Proper background subtraction is a major difficulty, and we demonstrate a procedure based on alignment of a contaminant Mn²⁺ line. As a proof-of-concept, a wallboard panel was irradiated with a ⁶⁰Co source, and a two-dimensional map of the absorbed dose was measured. While most aliquots yielded reasonably accurate doses, a spatially contiguous region of apparent dose-insensitivity in one panel was identified.     

面向个人剂量计校准的小尺度伽玛参考辐射模拟研究

针对伽玛射线个人剂量计基于标准伽玛参考辐射进行校准时检定效率低、校准工作复杂和需要远程送检的关键技术问题,建构了1 Ci 137Cs放射源小尺度参考辐射场物理模型,采用蒙特卡罗方法,研究了小尺度参考辐射场内的剂量分布、装置结构和待检剂量计变化导致散射射线对剂量场的影响,获得了待检剂量计形状、数量、类型和装置结构产生的散射伽玛射线对小尺度参考辐射量值定度的影响结果。研究结果表明,1 Ci 137Cs可以为小尺度参考辐射辐射场检验点提供1.5 mSv/h的伽玛遂行剂量率,辐照个人剂量计载台直径30 cm束斑上的剂量率相对标准偏差约为0.48%。当载台厚度为20 mm时,散射射线对小尺度参考辐射检验点处剂量率值的影响率为3.27%,高于剂量计尺寸（1.62%）和剂量计数量（0.56%）的影响。     

Optimisation of an EPR dosimetry system for robust and high precision dosimetry

Clinical applications of electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) dosimetry systems demand high accuracy causing time consuming analysis. The need for high spatial resolution dose measurements in regions with steep dose gradients demands small sized dosimeters. An optimization of the analysis was therefore needed to limit the time consumption. The aim of this work was to introduce a new smaller lithium formate dosimeter model (diameter reduced from standard diameter 4.5 mm to 3 mm and height from 4.8 mm to 3 mm). To compensate for reduced homogeneity in a batch of the smaller dosimeters, a method for individual sensitivity correction suitable for EPR dosimetry was tested. Sensitivity and repeatability was also tested for a standard EPR resonator and a super high Q (SHQE) one. The aim was also to optimize the performance of the dosimetry system for better efficiency regarding measurement time and precision. A systematic investigation of the relationship between measurement uncertainty and number of readouts per dosimeter was performed. The conclusions drawn from this work were that it is possible to decrease the dosimeter size with maintained measurement precision by using the SHQE resonator and introducing individual calibration factors for dosimeter batches. It was also shown that it is possible reduce the number of readouts per dosimeter without significantly decreasing the accuracy in measurements.     

The second international intercomparison on EPR tooth dosimetry

Eighteen international EPR laboratories participated in the second intercomparison programme. Each participant had to prepare enamel samples and evaluate the absorbed dose from molars that were irradiated in vitro in the range 0–1000 mGy. The objective of the programme was to bring together all methods which are currently applied by different laboratories for EPR dose reconstruction and to demonstrate the present state of dosimetry. An overview of the essential features of the different methods is presented. The current accuracy of EPR tooth enamel dosimetry under defined conditions of irradiation is evaluated.     

EPR of C60 thermal/photochemical reactions with polystyrene and polymethyl methacrylate

Thermal and photochemical free radical reaction products of C₆₀ with polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and polystyrene (PS) in orthodichlorobenzene solution were detected by EPR (electron paramagnetic resonance). Thermal radicals (<100°C) of C₆₀/PMMA and C₆₀/PS samples gave single line first-derivative EPR spectra withg=2.0029. Ultraviolet photolysis of a C₆₀/PMMA solid phase sample gave two radical species; whereas, photolysis of a C_60/PS solid phase sample gave only one free radical. EPR signals were also recorded for UV and thermal C₆₀ reaction with free radical initiator, azobis(isobutyronitrile).     

In Vivo EPR For Dosimetry

As a result of terrorism, accident, or war, populations potentially can be exposed to doses of ionizing radiation that could cause direct clinical effects within days or weeks. There is a critical need to determine the magnitude of the exposure to individuals so that those with significant risk have appropriate procedures initiated immediately, while those without a significant probability of acute effects can be reassured and removed from the need for further consideration in the medical/emergency system. In many of the plausible scenarios there is an urgent need to make the determination very soon after the event and while the subject is still present. In vivo EPR measurements of radiation-induced changes in the enamel of teeth is a method, perhaps the only such method, which can differentiate among doses sufficiently for classifying individuals into categories for treatment with sufficient accuracy to facilitate decisions on medical treatment. In its current state, the in vivo EPR dosimeter can provide estimates of absorbed dose with an error approximately +/- 50 cGy over the range of interest for acute biological effects of radiation, assuming repeated measurements of the tooth in the mouth of the subject. The time required for acquisition, the lower limit, and the precision are expected to improve, with improvements in the resonator and the algorithm for acquiring and calculating the dose. The magnet system that is currently used, while potentially deployable, is somewhat large and heavy, requiring that it be mounted on a small truck or trailer. Several smaller magnets, including an intraoral magnet are under development, which would extend the ease of use of this technique.     

High dose measurements using thermoluminescence of CaSO4:Dy

Thermoluminescence dosimetry has been very successful in monitoring the personnel level doses due to high sensitivity and reusability. However, these dosimeters saturate at high doses involved in radiation processing. Present investigations show that the range of high dose measurements can be increased by an order of magnitude by increasing the concentration of dysprosium in CaSO₄:Dy. A further increase in high dose measurements is possible by considering the ratio of two high temperature peaks. As the ratio of two peaks is an intrinsic property of the material, it is expected that the initial calibration of these dosimeters may not be required. This may be advantageous at very high doses where calibration of the dosimeters is quite problematic. Use of thermoluminescence peaks higher than 300°C also make this technique appropriate for high dose measurements at high temperatures.     

Uncertainty and routine use of Aerial l-alanine – Electron spin resonance dosimetry system

Aerial l-alanine pellet dosimeter is characterized by MiniScope MS300 electron spin resonance spectrometer measurements using Aer'EDE Version 2.0.4. software for dose calculation. The measurement traceability is achieved by Aerial dosimetry laboratory where dosimeters for calibration curve were irradiated by electron beam accelerator. Dose determinations in Aerial are traceable to National Physical Laboratory (NPL). The software used for construction of calibration curve gives also the standard deviation of the residuals of measurements for calibration that is used for dose uncertainty calculation. In aim to determine whether this value can actually be taken as absorbed dose uncertainty during usage of this dosimetry system, alanine dosimeters were irradiated with doses between 5 and 32 kGy by ⁶⁰Co laboratory source for internal calibration. The dose rate at the places for irradiation was (20 ± 0.5) mGy s⁻¹ determined by Fricke dosimeter. Measurement of each irradiated dosimeter was repeated ten times in ten days. The results of measurements were analyzed to identify the sources of uncertainty, as well as their quantification in evaluation of total measurement uncertainty. In addition to statistical effects, the very low dose rate that was used for the irradiation of alanine dosimeters affects the measurements of absorbed dose, particularly for higher absorbed doses where the measured dose can be up to 3% lower than the real.     

Protocol for emergency EPR dosimetry in fingernails

There is an increased need for after-the-fact dosimetry because of the high risk of radiation exposures due to terrorism or accidents. In case of such an event, a method is needed to make measurements of dose in a large number of individuals rapidly and with sufficient accuracy to facilitate effective medical triage. Dosimetry based on EPR measurements of fingernails potentially could be an effective tool for this purpose. This paper presents the first operational protocols for EPR fingernail dosimetry, including guidelines for collection and storage of samples, parameters for EPR measurements, and the method of dose assessment. In a blinded test of this protocol application was carried out on nails freshly sampled and irradiated to 4 and 20 Gy; this protocol gave dose estimates with an error of less than 30%.