Optical fibres for radiation dosimetry

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

The use of ionising radiation in a wide range of areas, from industrial processes to medical applications, has become increasingly significant in recent years. Radiation dosimetry, the measurement of absorbed dose delivered by ionising radiation, is fundamental to these radiation processes, ensuring tight control on radiation processes and the safety of personnel. As such it is the focus of much recent research to develop novel dosimeters and to improve dosimetry systems, be it increasing the sensitivity, providing real-time measurements or significantly reducing the costs. The inherent properties of optical fibres lend themselves to be used with great success in monitoring ionizing radiation. Optical fibres provide the means whereby real-time in situ monitoring of radiation doses can be realised, and offer numerous advantages over conventional methods, such as electrochemical and semiconductor sensors. Of significant advantage is the optical fiber’s immunity to electromagnetic and chemical interferences and their ability to monitor remotely, whereby the sensor can be placed several hundred metres from the control electronics. This means that they can be employed in harsh environments, such as in high-radiation-level areas in the vicinity of a nuclear reactor or gamma sterilisation facility. The small dimensions and light weight of optical fibres also provide for many opportunities for such sensors in personal dosimetry and medical applications. This chapter will discuss some of the key optical fibre based sensing techniques used in radiation dosimetry and outline their implementation in the different application areas of ionising radiation.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationSmart Sensors, Measurement and Instrumentation
PublisherSpringer International Publishing
Pages149-165
Number of pages17
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2017

Publication series

NameSmart Sensors, Measurement and Instrumentation
Volume21
ISSN (Print)2194-8402
ISSN (Electronic)2194-8410

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