Longevity Tests of High-Sensitivity BD-PND Bubble Dosimeters

Radev, R ; Carlberg, E

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

关键词: 99 General And Miscellaneous//Mathematics, Computing, And Information Science;    Sensitivity;    Dosemeters;    Life Span;    Neutrons;   

DOI  :  10.2172/15002880
RP-ID  :  UCRL-ID-149074
RP-ID  :  W-7405-ENG-48
RP-ID  :  15002880

美国|英语

来源: UNT Digital Library

【 摘 要 】

Medium- and very-high-sensitivity neutron bubble dosimeters (BD-PNDs) made by Bubble Technology Industries (BTI) were used to study the life span of such dosimeters in a standard setup with a {sup 252}Cf source. Although data on the longevity of bubble dosimeters with low and medium sensitivity exist, such data for dosimeters with high and very high sensitivity are not readily available. The manufacturer guarantees optimum dosimeter performance for 3 months after receipt. However, it is important to know the change in the dosimeters' characteristics with time, especially after the first 3 months. The long-term performance of four sets of very high sensitivity and one set of medium-sensitivity bubble dosimeters was examined for periods of up to 13 months. During that time, the detectors were exposed and reset more than 20 times. Although departures from initial detection sensitivity were observed in several cases, the detectors indicated a significantly longer life span than stated in the manufacturer's warranty. In addition, the change in the number of bubbles and in evaluated neutron dose as a function of the time from the end of exposure until the dosimeters were read was investigated.