A new procedure for dose measurements in mixed high-energy electron and photon fields

A new procedure for the measurement of H_p(10) and H′(10) in mixed high-energy electron and photon radiation fields was developed. By variation of the electron fluence with respect to an unchanged photon fluence in the mixture, the values of the two quantities varied by a factor of up to 1.9.     

Magnesium lactate mixed with EVA polymer/paraffin as an EPR dosimeter for radiation processing application

The dosimetric characteristics of γ-radiation-induced defects in magnesium lactate (ML) rods (3.5 mm×10 mm) formulated by mixing ML with molten mixtures of paraffin wax and EVA copolymer have been investigated using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). The EPR spectrum of irradiated ML rods was characterized by a quartet signal with the spectroscopic splitting g-factor of 2.0048±0.0003 at 0.4 mT. The useful dose range of the rod dosimeter was 100 Gy to 80 kGy. The mass attenuation coefficient, μ/ρ, and the mass energy-absorption coefficient, μ_en/ρ, versus energy in the range of 10 keV to 20 MeV indicate that the prepared ML dosimeter is typically adipose tissue equivalent overall this energy range. The overall combined uncertainties (at 2σ) associated with routine dose monitoring in the dose range of 0.1–10 kGy and 10–80 kGy were found to be 6.14% and 6.36%, respectively.     

Gamma-ray tables for neutron fast neutron and photon activation analysis

In the past several years, a number of gamma-ray tables have been published. All of the tables limit themselves to those nuclides formed in (n, γ) reactions or at most to a few of the more prominent (n, 2n) products. A number of investigators are developing activation analysis methods using fast neutrons or photons. These investigations have been hampered by the lack of tables of gamma-rays of those nuclides that can be formed by (n, 2n), (n, p), (n, α), (n, n′) and (n, d) reactions. Since (γ, n) yields the same product as (n, 2n) the table would also be useful to photon activation studies. The authors have compiled such a table. Section II: list of the gamma-rays for all isotopes in order of increasing energy will be published in the J. Radioanal. Chem., 25 (1975) No. 2.     

A new EPR dosimeter based on 2:1 mixture of Li2C2O4:Na2C2O4 for gamma and neutron dosimetry

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) investigations of Li₂C₂O₄, Na₂C₂O₄ mixed in proportion 1:0, 0:1, 1:1, 2:1 and 3:1 were carried out to measure the absorbed dose from photons and thermal neutrons in a mixed radiation field. A single line spectrum of CO₂^? radical anion centered around g=2.0045±0.0005 was obtained in the respective cases on gamma and neutron irradiation. Except Na₂C₂O₄, other mixtures had shown increase in line width on neutron irradiation possibly due to relaxation effects. Of all combinations, the 2:1 mixture is the more sensitive material for gamma and thermal neutrons. Intensity of CO₂^? radical signal in 2:1 Li₂C₂O₄:Na₂C₂O₄ mixture was found to be linear from 0.006 to 11 kGy for gamma and 40–1530 kGy for thermal neutron doses. Radical signal was found to be stable over a period of 300 days with marginal fading of less than 1 percent. Experimental results thus obtained suggest 2:1 Li₂C₂O₄:Na₂C₂O₄ mixture as the potential neutron dosimeter for medium and high dose range.     

Inteferences in neutron and photon activation analysis

The effect of following interferences was quantitatively assessed in terms of interference factor by irradiating samples together with highly pure reagents at two reactor sites of diferent neutron spectra and fluxes for neutron activation analysis (NAA) and an electron LINAC for photon activation analysis (PAA). The interfering reactions studied are 91) fast neutron-induced reactions, (2) uranium fission (3) (n,γ) reactions of other target elements in NAA, and (4) reactions induced by secondary neutrons in PAA. Corrections for these interferences were successfully applied to the activation analysis of some geological reference rock samples and biological samples.     

Irradiated bivalve mollusks: Use of EPR spectroscopy for identification and dosimetry

High energy radiation treatment of foodstuff for microbial control and shelf-life extension is being used in many countries. However, for consumer protection and information, the European Union has adopted the Directives 1999/2/EC and 1999/3/EC to harmonize the rules concerning the treatment and trade of irradiated foods in EU countries. Among the validated methods to detect irradiated foods the EU directives also include Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR/ESR) spectroscopy.We describe herein the use of EPR for identification of four species of bivalve mollusks, i.e. brown Venus shells (Callista chione), clams (Tapes semidecussatus), mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) and oysters (Ostrea edulis) irradiated with ⁶⁰Co γ-rays. EPR could definitely identify irradiated seashells due to the presence of long-lived free radicals, primarily CO₂⁻, CO₃³⁻, SO₂⁻ and SO₃⁻ radical anions. The presence of other organic free radicals, believed to originate from conchiolin, a scleroprotein present in the shells, was also ascertained. The use of one of these radicals as a marker for irradiation of brown Venus shells and clams can be envisaged. We also propose a dosimetric protocol for the reconstruction of the administered dose in irradiated oysters.     

Use of bubble detectors in personal neutron dosimetry

ICRP 60 recommendation require to improve the lowest limit of detection (LLD) of an individual neutron dosimeter by a factor estimated up to about five. Bubble neutron detectors could fulfill such conditions, the LLD of systems already available is claimed to be well below 10 Sv. We have tried to test them at different neutron sources. The results obtained are presented.Work partially supported through EC Project F13P-CT93-0072.     

Enhanced sensitivity of lithium dithionates doped with rhodium and nickel for EPR dosimetry

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) studies of X-irradiated lithium dithionate, Li(2)S(2)O(6) x 2H(2)O, doped with Ni and Rh have shown that these impurities enhance the yield of radicals formed by X-irradiation at room temperature. The signal in the doped samples, measured peak-to-peak of the single EPR derivative line attributed to the SO(3)(-) anion was about 3-4 times that of the pure lithium dithionate and more than 10 times stronger than the alanine signal. These impurities also shortened the spin-lattice relaxation time, T(1), which gives the possibility to measure the doped samples at a higher microwave power. This implies that sensitivity could be further enhanced in the already sensitive EPR dosimeter material lithium dithionate.     

Benchmarking and analysis of 6Li neutron depth profiling of lithium ion cell electrodes

The University of Texas at Austin Neutron Depth Profiling (UT-NDP) facility was utilized to analyze varying cathode compositions in lithium battery materials. Battery materials included LiCoO₂, LiMn_1/3Ni_1/3Co_1/3O₂, and LiFePO₄. The cells were made at The University of Texas at Austin as coin cells with lithium anodes. The NDP analysis method for Li in battery materials was benchmarked between two facilities and with computational models.     

Spatial characteristics of photon fields in dwellings

The paper deals with modeling of -radiation fields produced by natural terrestrial radionuclides in construction materials of houses. Isodoses computed in planes crossing a rectangular room with specified thickness of walls as well as the concentration of radionuclides in building materials enable one to estimate health risks of the population dwelling in such a room.     

Chemical effects of cobalt neutron capture recoils in K3Co/CN/6-K3Fe/CN/6 and K3Co/CN/6-K3Cr/CN/6 mixed crystals

The chemical effects of cobalt neutron capture recoils produced in mixed crystals of the types K₃Co/CN/₆-K₃Fe/CN/₆ and K₃Co/CN/₆-K₃Cr/CN/₆ have been investigated. Analysis of the neutron irradiated samples was performed using solvent extraction and making use of a 512-channel analyzer for radioactivity measurements. It was found that the initial cobalt parent retentions vary linearly with parent mol fraction in the mixed crystals. The results are discussed in terms of retention and non-retention reactions in view of a mechanistic model involving metal-and ligand-vacancy exchanges, substitution and transfer reactions.     

The 6Li,6Li-INADEQUATE Experiment: A New Tool for 1D- and 2D-NMR Studies of Organolithium Compounds

The 1D- and 2D-⁶Li, ⁶Li-INADEQUATE experiments are described as new tools for the detection of scalar coupled nonequivalent ⁶Li nuclei in organolithium clusters. Practical applications of these sequences are demonstrated for the ⁶Li-NMR spectra of (E)-1-lithio-2-(2-lithiophenyl)-1-phenylhex-1-ene ( 1 ) and (E)-2-lithio-1-(2-lithiophenyl)-1-phenylpent-1-ene ( 2 ), where signals due to dimers and monomers can be distinguished. The performance of the 2D-⁶Li, ⁶Li-INADEQUATE and the ⁶Li, ⁶Li-COSY-45-LR experiment are compared. The ⁶Li chemical shifts of 1 and 2 are discussed.     

Determination of nitrogen in solids by photon and reactor neutron activation

Carbon and nitrogen were determined in iron, steel, and silicon by photon activation followed by chemical separation. Nitrogen was determined in the same types of samples by reactor neutron activation, chemical separation, and liquid scintillation counting. The comparison of two methods based on different radioactive elements is a way to control the accuracy of the determination.     

Progress on standardization of electron beam dosimetry for radiation processing

The high dose standards and dissemination system of electron beams are being established at NIM. The graphite and/ or water calorimeters and liquid chemical dosimeter are to be accepted as standards. The transfer dosimeter selected are alanine/ESR dosimeter and radiochromic film (FWT - 60). Several kinds of radiochromic films, undyed cellulose triacetate, polyethylene and blue cellophane will be recommended as working dosimeter. A series of intercomparison studies are conducted between calorimeter and dichromate dosimeter. Agreement is found within 2%. Water calorimeters and dichromate dosimeters are used to make absolute dosimetric measurements of electron beams. These calibrated beams are then used to calibrate several types of dosimeters, such as alanine, radiochromic films, undyed and dyed polyethylene. Preliminary studies show that water calorimeter and dichromate dosimeter are reproducible and sufficiently accurate for electron beam calibration. The estimated overall uncertainty of the measurement is better than 5% at 95% confidence level.     

Optimal use of instrumental neutron and photon activation analyses for multielement determinations in sewage sludges

A combination of instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) and instrumental photon activation analysis (IPAA) methods has been developed for multielement determinations in a variety of sludges and fertilizers. The precision and accuracy of both the methods have been evaluated by analyzing replicate samples, NBS standard reference materials, and an interlaboratory intercomparison sewage sludge sample. The concentration rages of up to 50 elements in raw and chemical sludges, sludge-based fertilizers, and other organic and inorganic fertilizers are reported here. The advantages and limitations of the INAA and IPAA methods are also discussed here.     

Studies on some materials suitable for use as internal standards in high energy EPR dosimetry

EPR-spectroscopic properties (line-intensity,-width, andg-factors) of pyrolized at 550°C sucrose, MgO and MgO doped with Mn²⁺ ions (500∶1) remain unchanged after high-dose (1–100 kGy) irradiation, whereas CaO gives an EPR signal. These properties of these materials make it possible to use them as internal reference EPR standards in the work under conditions of strong ionisation environment, for precise determination of theG-values of other materials, for obtaining exact magnitudes of increase of the EPR response when the method of additional dose is applied, to follow the kinetics of decay of some radiation induced defects.