Angular response characterization of the Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc., personnel dosimeter

An evaluation of the Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc., personnel dosimeter to radiation incident from non-perpendicular angles was carried out to meet the Department of Energy Laboratory Accreditation Program (DOELAP) requirements. Dosimeters were exposed to six different radiation sources. For each source, dosimeters were rotated about their horizontal and vertical axes at seven different angles each. Raw readings were processed through the dose calculation algorithm used for routine personnel dosimetry to determine dose equivalent values. Dose equivalent responses relative to zero degree incident angle were found to be within ± 20% for M150, K-59 and 137Cs photons when the incident angle was 60 degree or less. For low-energy photon irradiations (M30 and K-16), responses for angles other than perpendicular incidence are generally unpredictable. Reasons include: (1) failure of dose calculation algorithm to identify the radiation field correctly due to unusual element ratios; and (2) at extreme angles (± 85 degree), the dosimeter design (in relation to the irradiation geometry) becomes the limiting factor in producing reproducible results. Response to 204Tl beta particles decreases rapidly with increasing angle of incidence