Experimental Verification of a Method for Obtaining Temporal Dose Information from Thermoluminescent Dosimeters (TLDs) Using a Simple Collimator with a Mechanical Rotating Mechanism

R.B. Gunnett; K.J. Kearfott; and J.E. Schlicht (University of Michigan Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences Department)

Investigating temporal variations in ambient environmental radiation is desirable in some cases where monitoring is done over extended periods of time. Electronic dosimeters can be inappropriate for some applications due to large expenses, power requirements, and damage to electronics. A mechanical device, capable of measuring dose as a function of time using inexpensive materials including thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) has been previously presented as a solution to these problems. This system was first tested with the TLDs held stationary in order to verify that the shield would produce a noticeable difference in the shielded TLD signal and the unshielded TLD signal. For this work, the TLDs were rotated under the opening in the shield while the radiation field was changed over time to assure that the system would function correctly in the manner of its intended use. Over a period of five days, the system was exposed at various intervals to a Cs-137 irradiator, while being allowed to make one full rotation of the TLDs during this time. The system provided temporal dose information based on the prior knowledge of which TLDs were unshielded at any given time.

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