Preliminary investigation of a Thermally Stimulated Exo-Electron Emission dosimeter

Thermally Stimulated Exo-Electron Emission has been studied intensively as to its use as a complimentary passive dosimetric technique to thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD's), plastic and liquid chemical systems, etc. This work summarizes attempts to use thin films of emitting materials (beryllium oxide in particular) as such a dosimeter. Evaluation included various ways of preparing thin exo-electron emitting surfaces on substrates of interest, and development of readout techniques (low energy electron counting) and practical reader designs. After selection of a dependable means of surface preparation, emitting material, and readout system, the effort turned to evaluating the thin film as to its dosimetric characteristics, i.e., radiation sensitivity, energy response, rate response, radiation quality response, etc. Conclusions on further efforts to develop this dosimeter are given