Alpha Radiation Detection Mathods Using Radioluminescence of Air

Abstract

Many solutions have been demonstrated for utilizing radioluminescence for alpha radiation detection, enabling long range detection of radiation sources. This thesis examines the performance of two novel approaches for radioluminescence imaging. PMT Scanner based on a photomultiplier tube, telescope optics and a pan-tilt system and an intensified charge coupled device (ICCD) coupled with an UV-transmissive lens are compared in different measurement conditions with different measurement parameters by simulating their performance. Simulations are based on results of previous studies demonstrating the use of the two technologies.

Results of the simulation indicate that the PMT Scanner is the preferable technology in most measurement settings, as it is able to resolve similar activities in shorter measurement time than the ICCD camera. However, with improved optics, the ICCD camera is found to have comparable performance to the PMT Scanner, assuming that the measurement area is conducted in dark environment. If the minimum detectable activity of a measurement is required to be less than 8 kBq, the ICCD camera is determined to be the faster measurement technology. For activities higher than 8 kBq, the PMT Scanner is able to conduct the measurement in shorter time than the ICCD camera for similarly sized measurement area. The measurement conditions should be considered when deciding between the technologies, as the ICCD camera can not be operated in illuminated environments.

Measurements should still be conducted to study and improve the accuracy of the simulation. However, based on the results, it can be noted that new optics with better efficiency would increase the performance of the ICCD camera significantly. Deployment of the ICCD camera could be simplified by developing practical solutions for achieving sufficient light shielding. Performance of the PMT Scanner could be enhanced by optimizing the field of view of the optics.