A CCD-based γ-ray dosimeter

Abstract

This paper investigates the use of charged coupled devices (CCDs) for personal γ-ray dosimetry. Personal dosimeters require high sensitivity to the photon energies likely to be encountered and a sensitivity response across a wide dose rate range, particularly at low dose rates. The principal advantages of CCDs for this application are two-fold: sensitivity at low dose rates due to low-noise operation and a wide dynamic range. Preliminary experimental measurements have been performed on a standard buried channel CCD using a range of isotope sources. One half of the sensor was coated with a 100 μm thick layer of caesium iodide. It is proposed that the differing properties of the two halves of the sensor increases its range for personal dosimetry. Deposition of scintillator coatings of various thicknesses across the surface of the sensor should provide sensitivity to a wide energy range. The results demonstrated that the device has potential for this application. A linear dose rate response was observed over the dose rate range 0.08–35 μSv h −1. It was found that the uncoated side of the sensor demonstrated better response at low dose rates and a better energy response. Whereas the scintillator coated side would improve the detection efficiency at energies beyond 60 keV.