Comparison of EPR response of alanine and Gd2O3-alanine dosimeters exposed to TRIGA Mainz reactor. (December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Marrale, M.; Schmitz, T.; Gallo, S.; Hampel, G.; Longo, A.; Panzeca, S.; Tranchina, L.
• Is Part Of: Applied radiation and isotopes. Volume 106(2015:Dec.)
• Page Start: 116
• Page End: 120
• Publication Date: 2015-12
• Subjects: Electron spin resonance -- NCT dosimetry -- Alanine -- Triga reactor Mainz -- Gadolinium; Radiology -- Periodicals; Radiation -- Industrial applications -- Periodicals; Nuclear chemistry -- Periodicals; Internet resource; Periodical; 660.298
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2015.08.016
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0969-8043

Abstract

Abstract: In this work we report some preliminary results regarding the analysis of electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) response of alanine pellets and alanine pellets added with gadolinium used for dosimetry at the TRIGA research reactor in Mainz, Germany. Two set-ups were evaluated: irradiation inside PMMA phantom and irradiation inside boric acid phantom. We observed that the presence of Gd2 O3 inside alanine pellets increases the EPR signal by a factor of 3.45 and 1.24 in case of PMMA and boric acid phantoms, respectively. We can conclude that in the case of neutron beam with a predominant thermal neutron component the addition of gadolinium oxide can significantly improve neutron sensitivity of alanine pellets. Monte Carlo (MC) simulations of both response of alanine and Gd-added alanine pellets with FLUKA code were performed and a good agreement was achieved for pure alanine dosimeters. For Gd2 O3 -alanine deviations between MC simulations and experimental data were observed and discussed. Abstract : Highlights: ESR analysis of alanine pellets with and without Gd irradiated at Mainz neutron beam. Improvement of neutron sensitivity of alanine with gadolinium inside PMMA phantom. Good agreement between ESR results and MC simulation for pure alanine pellets.