Radiation Processing Dosimetry
Quality assurance in radiation processing technologies (sterilization of medical devices, production of new, improved quality materials for medical and industrial use, food irradiation, environmental protection applications) is basically maintained by using various dosimetry methods based on international standards (e.g. ISO/ASTM). The continuous improvement of these solid and liquid phase dosimetry systems is of primary importance and the HUN-REN EK-CER has its own role in this field. These R&D activities, carried out at the Nuclear Security Department include the improvement of the capabilities of these chemical and physical dosimetry methods (e.g. ethanol-chlorobenzene solution, radiochromic films, osl based dosimeters) and the development of new methods helping new requirements (dosimetry of pulsed radiation fields, measurement of low doses (1 gy – 1 kGy) and systems capable of dose measurements at low temperatures in gamma and electron radiation fields).
Further tasks of the NSD include the technical support of the Hungarian pilot and industrial irradiation facilities by helping their participation at international dosimetry intercomparison exercises (International Atomic Energy Agency, Regional Programs, e.g. RER1021).
Retrospective dosimetry
Luminescent dosimetry is a well-established and reliable technique for retrospective dose assessment in personal, environmental, and industrial applications, particularly in situations involving unplanned ionizing radiation exposure (e.g., radiation accidents or incidents), and it also includes applications such as thermoluminescence dating.
A wide variety of materials and personal objects, particularly crystalline materials, are capable of thermoluminescence (TL) or optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) emission. Examples include quartz in sand or building materials, glass from smartwatches and phones, and SMD resistors in smartphones.
Routine dosimetry measurements have been conducted at the Nuclear Security Department for decades. Theoretical and experimental research ranges from the study of fundamental phenomena to materials and method development. The laboratory is well equipped with TL instrumentation, including a lexsygsmart TL/OSL reader with an installed Sr-90 radiation source.
