Description of modular devices for the measurement of external dosimetry in radiation protection.

In 2002 the Group of Radiation Dosimetry and Calibration of the Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK•CEN) has developed an experimental device based on the optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) working with Al2O3:C detectors (TLD-500 and Luxel) stimulated with an argon laser. A set of devices made from different modules have been developed to permit external dosimetry measurements with thermoluminescence (TL) and OSL techniques under different conditions. This study describes these measurement devices that can be made with these modules and some of the characteristics of the different systems. These devices present several advantages in terms of measurement possibilities: a small number of modules allow the use of different detection materials (Al2O3:C, BeO, quartz electronic components and tiles) and different measurement methods (TL, CW-OSL and pulsed OSL). Some applications are commented.

Monte Carlo calculations applied to the parametrical studies in a whole body counter.

The use of a Monte Carlo code for the analysis and interpretation of whole body counting measurements is described. The sources of error are analysed and commented to show how a counting geometry can be improved by improving accuracy and precision in a measurement. The effects of body size, contamination distribution and counting geometry are also parameters which can be easily used to improve the quality of a body burden assessment. The optimisation of the detector (position, shielding, shape and size) is also commented on the basis of calculations in the photon energy range usually encountered in routine measurements. The results obtained from these simulations are confirmed by experimental results.