2. TOPICS TO BE COVERED
❑ Introduction
❑ Pocket dosimeter
❑ Thermoluminescent dosimeter
❑ Solid state detector
❑Advantages
❑Disadvantages
3. DOSIMETER
▪Dosimeter is an instrument used to
measure and monitor exposure of
ionizing radiation over a period of
time .
▪Radiation exposure is measured in
gray(Gy).
Film badge
TLD BADGE
4. POCKET DOSIMETER
❑ A pocket dosimeter is a small, portable
device used to measure and monitor
radiation exposure in real time.
❑ It measures radiation exposure of x
rays and gamma rays .
❑ Pocket dosimeters are typically
compact and lightweight, fitting easily in
a pocket .
Pocket dosimeter
5. PRINCIPLE
▪Pocket dosimeters works on the principle of ionization to
measure radiation
▪As ionizing radiation passes through the dosimeter, it creates
ions in the surrounding gas.
▪Ionized particles generate an electrical signal proportional to the
radiation level.
▪The signal is amplified and converted into a measurable
radiation dose.
7. WORKING
▪The gas filling
The chamber contains a specific gas that is easily ionized by
radiation.
▪Radiation Interaction
Radiation enters the chamber, interacting with the gas and causing
ionization.
▪Electrodes
Electrodes are used to collect ionized particles , creating an
electrical current.
8. STEPS INVOLVED
❑ Exposure
The dosimeter is worn in a pocket or clipped to clothing for
accurate exposure measurement.
❑ Reading
The display shows the accumulated radiation dose, often in units
like mSv.
❑ Calibration
Regular calibration is required to ensure the accuracy of the
device's readings.
10. LIMITATIONS
⮚Limited sensitivity for certain types of radiation, such as beta
particles and neutrons.
⮚Accuracy may be compromised by high radiation levels that
saturate the detector.
⮚Requires calibration and periodic maintenance to ensure
reliability.
11. APPLICATIONS
▪Nuclear Power Plants
Workers are monitored to ensure their exposure stays within safe
limits.
▪Medical Facilities
Used by healthcare professionals working with radioactive
materials.
▪Research Laboratories
Essential for researchers handling radioactive materials.
▪Environmental Monitoring
Used to measure radiation levels in areas potentially affected by
radioactive sources.
12. THERMOLUMINESCENT DOSIMETER
❑A TLD is a passive radiation monitoring
device that measures ionizing radiation
including x ray, gamma and beta
radiation.
❑It was invented by Professor Farrington
Daniels in 1994 .
13. PRINCIPLE
▪TLD works on the principle of thermoluminescence .
▪It works by trapping electrons from ionizing radiation and
releasing them as light when heated.
14. CONSTRUCTION OF TLD
It contains the following:
i. TLD Card consists of three disc each which are
clipped over nickel aluminium card.
i. the discs are made of a thermoluminescent
material nearly tissue equivalent
ii. the discs are 0.8 mm thick and have a 1.35 cm
diameter
ii. Filters against each disc
i. top: aluminium and copper
ii. middle: perspex
iii. lower: open
Card is enclosed by a plastic wrapper
15. THERMOLUMINESCENT MATERIALS
Some of the commonly used materials are
• Lithium fluoride
• Calcium fluoride
• Calcium Sulfate
• Lithium borate
The choice of thermoluminescent material depends on the specific
application , the radiation type and energy range involved.
16. WORKING
▪A TLD typically consists of a small chip of thermoluminescent
material, enclosed in a protective container.
▪When exposed to ionizing radiation, the material absorbs energy
and traps electrons within its crystal lattice.
▪As the material is heated, the trapped electrons are released, and
they recombine with holes, emitting light.
▪ The intensity of the emitted light is proportional to the absorbed
radiation dose.
▪ The process of heating and reading is typically automated in modern
TLDs allowing for efficient and accurate radiation dose
measurements.
17. TLD READER
A typical basic TLD reader contains the
following components:
• Heater - Raises the temperature of the TL
material and light is emitted.
• Photomultiplier tube – Detects the
emitted light and converts it into electrical
signal.
• Amplifier – Amplifies the electrical
signal.
• Meter/Recorder. Recorder is able to
display and record data.
TLD READER
19. LIMITATIONS
• Require calibration and correction factors for accurate dose
measurements.
• Time-consuming and require specialized equipment.
• Environmental Factors such as humidity and light exposure, can
affect the dosimeter's response and accuracy.
20. SOLID STATE DETECTORS
❑A solid-state detector is a device that uses solid
materials(Semiconductors) to detect and measure ionizing radiation,
such as gamma rays, X-rays, and charged particles.
❑ These detectors operate by converting the energy from incoming
radiation into electrical signals, which can then be processed and
analyzed.
.
21. PRINCIPLE
▪The fundamental principle behind their operation is creation of
electron-hole pairs when radiation interacts with the detector
material.
INCOMING
RADIATION
22. WORKING
1.Radiation Interaction: When an incident photon interacts with the detector
material, it deposits its energy in the semiconductor.
2.Charge Carrier Generation: The energy deposited creates a number of
electron-hole pairs proportional to the incident radiation's energy.
3.Charge Carrier Drift: The generated charge carriers are then driven by an
applied electric field towards opposite electrodes, resulting in a current flow.
4.Signal Amplification: The collected charge carriers are amplified enhancing
the signal strength for better detection and analysis.
5.Signal Processing: The amplified signal is then processed, digitized, and
analyzed to extract information about the incident radiation, such as its energy,
arrival time, and spatial location.
24. TYPES OF SEMICONDUCTOR MATERIALS
• SILICON
• GERMENIUM
• CADMIUM ZINC TELLURIDE AND CADMIUM TELLURIDE
25. ADVANTAGES
• High Sensitivity
• Good Energy Resolution
• Fast Response Time
• Compact Size
• Low Power Consumption
• Versatility
27. APPLICATIONS
1.Medical Imaging
X-ray detectors in radiography PET and SPECT scanners for nuclear medicine imaging.
2.Nuclear and Particle Physics
Energy measurement of particles using silicon or germanium detectors.
3.Radiation Monitoring
Personal dosimeters for workers in nuclear facilities.
4.Space Science
Gamma-ray and X-ray detectors for astronomical observations.
5.Security and Defense
Baggage scanners at airports (X-ray detectors).
6.Research and Development
Semiconductor research for studying defects and properties.