Researchers at the University of Science have developed a novel digital instrument for measuring radiation doses using Ethanol-Chlorobenzene (ECB) dosimeters based on the oscillometry method. This innovative device is particularly significant for medical and industrial applications where precise radiation measurement is needed.
The ECB dosimeter, known for its versatility, operates on the principle of ionizing radiation producing hydrochloric acid (HCl) within the dosimeter's ethanol-chlorobenzene solution. This transformation allows researchers to quantify the absorbed dose of radiation by measuring the conductivity changes caused by HCl concentration. Traditional methods for measuring conductivity have their challenges, but the new digital instrument simplifies this process through advanced technology.
The instrument's measuring cell was engineered to maximize sensitivity, utilizing coaxial cylindrical shells with precise dimensions: the upper electrode has a height of 15.3 millimeters, and the lower electrode is 11 millimeters tall, ensuring optimal detection of electrical conductivity changes. The cells can accurately monitor the radiation dose across various ranges, and the enhanced design minimizes environmental influences on measurements.
Key enhancements include the device's analog oscillation circuit, which comprises operational amplifiers (Op Amps), diodes, and transistors, configured for frequency stability at approximately 5 megahertz. Drastic frequency variations could skew results; hence, maintaining low operational frequencies reduces error margins significantly.
A digital circuit incorporating the ATmega8A microcontroller and DS18B20 temperature sensor is interlinked with the analog circuit to process output voltage and saturation levels accurately. The findings produced reveal high reliability metrics—tests performed on dosimeters irradiated at doses of 1, 5, 10, 30, 70, and 100 kilograys (kGy) from the Gamma cell GC-220 demonstrated minimal discrepancies.
The validation of the apparatus indicated the maximum absolute relative difference between average dosimeter readouts and expected values was around 7%, with average absolute differences hovering around 3.3% across multiple doses. Such accuracy positions this developed device as pivotal for high-dose dosimetry applications.
Previously, the dosimetry readings relied extensively on methods such as mercurimetric titration and high-frequency oscillometry. The newly implemented oscillometry allows for real-time measurements without exposing toxic substances, confirming its non-destructive efficacy.
The historical backdrop of oscillometry devices showcases development from simple electronic circuits, originating as far back as the 1950s, to modern machinery now standardizing measurements of radiation-induced chemical formations. This evolution reveals how scientists have continuously sought to improve detection methods, ensuring safety and precision throughout the process.
The research collaborating teams hope to proliferate this technology across laboratories, replacing older dosimeter models with this advanced equipment. Their initiative highlights the urgency and necessity for improved measurement devices within high-dose radiation contexts.
Overall, the advancement of the ECB dosimeter reader marks a significant step toward ensuring safer and more efficient radiation detection methods, which have far-reaching impacts across multiple sectors, including healthcare and industrial processing where radiation usage is prevalent.