title: Automatic neutron dosimetry system based on fluorescent nuclear track detector technology.
abstract: For the first time, the authors are describing an automatic fluorescent nuclear track detector (FNTD) reader for neutron dosimetry. FNTD is a luminescent integrating type of detector made of aluminium oxide crystals that does not require electronics or batteries during irradiation. Non-destructive optical readout of the detector is performed using a confocal laser scanning fluorescence imaging with near-diffraction limited resolution. The fully automatic table-top reader allows one to load up to 216 detectors on a tray, read their engraved IDs using a CCD camera and optical character recognition, scan and process simultaneously two types of images in fluorescent and reflected laser light contrast to eliminate false-positive tracks related to surface and volume crystal imperfections. The FNTD dosimetry system allows one to measure neutron doses from 0.1 mSv to 20 Sv and covers neutron energies from thermal to 20 MeV. The reader is characterised by a robust, compact optical design, fast data processing electronics and user-friendly software.
authors.affiliation: Landauer, Inc., 723 1/2 Eastgate St., Stillwater, OK 74074, USA makselrod@landauerinc.com.
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Akselrod
authors.affiliation: Landauer, Inc., 723 1/2 Eastgate St., Stillwater, OK 74074, USA.
authors.forename: V V
authors.initials: VV
authors.lastname: Fomenko
authors.affiliation: Landauer, Inc., 723 1/2 Eastgate St., Stillwater, OK 74074, USA Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA.
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Bartz
authors.affiliation: Avo Photonics, Inc., 700 Business Center Dr., Horsham, PA 19044, USA.
authors.forename: T L
authors.initials: TL
authors.lastname: Haslett
mesh_terms: D000537:Aluminum Oxide / Q000737:chemistry; D000576:Americium; D001608:Beryllium; D002138:Calibration; D002254:Carbonates / Q000737:chemistry; D005214:Fast Neutrons; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal / Q000379:methods; D009502:Neutrons; D016011:Normal Distribution; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry*; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011835:Radiation Protection / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D011868:Radioisotopes; D011874:Radiometry / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D002254:Carbonates; D011108:Polymers; D011868:Radioisotopes; D000537:Aluminum Oxide; D001608:Beryllium; D000576:Americium