Powder state alanine/ESR dosimeter for measuring the absorbed dose of electron beam

This paper describes the application of a powder state alanine/ESR dosimeter for measurement of the absorbed dose of electron beam to monitor the dose standards and for quality control of the products processed by electron beam irradiation. The dosimeter is a sealed plastic container containing pre-treated alanine powder. Spectra of the internal standard and the alanine sample are measured simultaneously using dual cavity of an ESR spectrometer. The internal standard is a CuCl2.2H2O monocrystal which gives stable ESR signals. A diamond sample is used as working standard. With these two standards, the measurement accuracy can be improved. The standard dose value is determined with an electron beam calorimeter made in our laboratory for dose calibration purpose. The advantages and the dosimetry characteristics of the application of powder state alanine/ESR dosimeters are discussed. This method is accurate and easy to use. In the region of 10-104 Gy, the dose response shows a linear relationship and the precision is better than ± 2%. (Author)