High exposure gamma ray dosimetry using PADC dosemeters

Abstract Solid state nuclear track detectors have become popular in radiation dosimetry because of their low cost, simplicity and high degree of reproducibility. Various workers have attempted to use these detectors in high exposure gamma ray dosimetry. The parameter they have studied is the change in optical density with respect to gamma dose. In the present investigation an attempt was made to explore the possibility of using these detectors in evaluating the doses delivered to different materials. For this the parameters studied were changes in alpha track diameter and in optical density as a function of gamma dose, in the dose range 10–120 kGy. The change in total bulk etch as a function of gamma dose, in the dose range 1–50 kGy, and the effect of sandalwood oil on the total bulk etch, were also studied. The calibrated dosemeters were used to evaluate the dose delivered to sludge at the Sludge Hygienisation Research Irradiator (SHRI) established at Vadodara by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre.