Radiation nose concept

Abstract

The feasibility of a radiation nose concept is demonstrated. In radiation nose system an array of sensors is used to monitor various ranges and types of radiation, therefore increasing the working dose range and the sensitivity of the overall system. Ideally, each material in sensor array should be sensitive to only one type of radiation, which can be achieved via selective shielding. Alternatively, each material would respond to radiation to a various degree. Based on a set of the output readings from the sensors, a Pattern Recognition (PR) algorithm can be applied, so that the radiation nose system will accurately determine the radiation dose and type. In view of the wide variety of radiation sources employed in industry, medicine and research, it is desirable that a device used for dosimetry be capable of giving a reasonably accurate estimate of the total dose received from exposure to radiations differing in both energy and type. It is also a necessary requirement to separate the individual contributions of the different types of radiation, which make up the mixture, since the permissible levels for D -, E- and J- radiations differ appreciably. Such knowledge is particularly essential if any attempt is made to determine the dose delivered at a depth within a body. It may be of value in cases, where an investigation is necessary to determine the cause of an over-exposure. Potential applications of the dosimetry of mixed radiations include cases, when type and level of radiation is unknown, such as building sites, mining, military and homeland security purposes etc. When developing a new construction site, builders could face granite or marble with unknown radiation levels and Radon gas, which is a natural source of D -radiation. Miners could face similar situations at their work as well, where it will be useful to identify the type and levels of radiations that might be present. When the presence of complex mixture of radiations of various types and energies is expected, one can use a range of dosimeters, each designed for a certain energy range. However, in an unexpected situation or in cases of nuclear emergency, there is a need for a compact real-time dosimeter of mixed radiation field, with visible/audio alarm signal if the safe dose is exceeded. This paper presents a novel concept of a radiation nose. In a radiation nose system an array of sensors is used to monitor various ranges and types of radiation, therefore increasing the working dose range and the sensitivity of the overall system. When measured radiation exposure is of a complex nature, e.g. includes D -, E-, J-rays etc, the radiation sensitive materials should be carefully chosen. Similarly, an array of sensors can be implemented, with each sensor sensitive (ideally) to only one type of radiation. This can be achieved via corresponding selective shielding, where each sensor in the array is covered with a certain material that allows only one type of radiation to be picked up by that sensor. Based on a set of the output readings from the sensors, a Pattern Recognition (PR) algorithm can be applied, so that the radiation nose system will accurately determine the radiation dose and type.