Optical diagnostic techniques for estimating gamma radiation energy using optical densitometry

摘要

The main objective of this work is to investigate the changes in optical glass properties when there are exposed to gamma rays, by using different optical diagnosis techniques. The changes due to the colour centres and other defects induced in borosilicate glass by gamma rays were investigated. Four glass samples have been irradiated to about 5 MeV energy gamma rays, produced indirectly by IFIN-HH particles accelerator. The 12C (p,γ) 12C* resonant nuclear reaction was involved in the experiment. The four samples where shielded by 0.5 mm, 1 mm, 1.5 mm, respectively 2 mm thickness of lead, each one resulting in a different darkening density. By inserting the four experimental values into the light absorption by thickness variation relation, the mass absorption coefficient of the absorbent filter can be obtained. Knowing this value and lead simulated absorption curve equation, the energy of the involved nuclear reaction can be obtained. The same method can be used for determining Compton electrons cross sections in lead.