Thermoluminescence dosimetry and microstructural characteristics of gamma-irradiated natural flake graphite
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
8-1-2024
Abstract
Thermoluminescence (TL) and microstructural analysis were conducted on natural flake graphite (NFG) to assess its suitability for radiotherapeutic x-ray dose measurements. The investigations encompassed the examination of TL glow curves, linearity, sensitivity, signal decay, and repeatability. NFG samples were exposed to Co-60 gamma radiation doses ranging from 2 Gy to 20 Gy. The microstructure of the irradiated NFG was probed using a 532 nm laser Raman spectrometer. Promisingly, the NFG exhibited remarkable characteristics, including a moderately higher response to dose (R-2 of about 96%), increased sensitivity at lower doses, and good repeatability (similar to 4%). Nevertheless, its fading rate reached about 80% after 14 days of irradiation. Additionally, the NFG intensity ratios of defect (D) to graphite (G), denoted as I-D/I-G, closely mirrored the oscillatory pattern observed in 50 mu m thick graphite sheets and were approximately 1.6 times lower than those of similar graphite sheets with comparable carbon content (about 98% carbon). These findings suggest that NFG holds potential for the development of an affordable, non-hygroscopic, and tissue-equivalent TL dosimeter, with possible applications in the medical field.
Keywords
Natural flake graphite, Thermoluminescence, Dosimetry, Raman spectroscopy
Divisions
PHYSICS
Funders
Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University (PNURSP 2024R49)
Publication Title
Radiation Physics and Chemistry
Volume
221
Publisher
Elsevier
Publisher Location
THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND