A new spectrophotometric readout for the alanine-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride system for high-dose dosimetry

Abstract

The electron spin resonance (ESR) readout of radical concentration in irradiated L -alanine is well known as a transfer dosimetry system, however, the high cost of the ESR equipment is a serious handicap for large-scale routine application. In this study the reaction between irradiated L -alanine powder and aqueous solution of triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) was studied. The radical produced by irradiation of alanine reacts during the dissolution with TTC forming pink-colored formazans with absorption maxima around 401 and 487 nm. This readout method can be used in the 2–200 kGy dose range.