BARC/PUB/2016/1486

 
 

Probing the application of Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy for assessment of deposited flux of Radon and Thoron progeny in high exposure conditions

 
     
 
Author(s)

Mishra, R.; Sapra, B. K.; Rout, R. P.; Prajith, R.
(RP&AD)

Source

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research : A, 2016. Vol. 838: pp. 24-27

ABSTRACT

Direct measurement of Radon and Thoronprogeny in the atmosphere and occupational environments such as Uranium mines, Uranium and Thorium handling facilities has gained importance because of its radiological significance ininhalation dose assessment. In this regard, Radon and Thoron Progeny sensors (DTPS and DRPS) are the only passive solid state nuclear track detector (SSNTD, LR115) based devices which are being extensively used for time integrated direct progeny measurements. An essential component of the analysis is the chemical etching of the detectors, followed by spark counting of tracks and then estimation of the inhalation dose using appropriate calibration factors. Alternatively, the tracks may be counted using image analysis techniques. However, under high exposure conditions, both these methods have inherent limitations and errors arising due to increased frequency of tracks. In the present work, we probe the use of Fourier Transform InfraRed (FTIR) spectroscopy to analyse the deposited fluence of the progeny particulates based on change intransmittance of the nitric group vibrational bands of the LR115. Alinear relationship between the transmittance and the deposited fluence was observed, which can be used to estimate the deposited fluence rate and the inhalation dose.This alternative method of analysis will provide a faster and non-destructive technique for inhalation dose assessment, specially for routine large scale measurements.

 
 
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