Ambient Dose and Dose Rate Measurement in SNOLAB Underground Laboratory at Sudbury, Ontario, Canada

The paper describes a system and experimental procedure that use integrating passive detectors, such as thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs), for the measurement of ultra-low-level ambient dose equivalent rate values at the underground SNOLAB facility located in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. Because these detectors are passive and can be exposed for relatively long periods of time, they can provide better sensitivity for measuring ultra-low activity levels. The final characterization of ultra-low-level ambient dose around water shielding for ongoing direct dark matter search experiments in Cube Hall at SNOLAB underground laboratory is given. The conclusion is that TLDs provide reliable results in the measurement of the ultra-low-level environmental radiation background.

Automated summary

This paper describes a system and experimental procedure using integrating passive detectors, such as TLDs, to measure ultra-low-level ambient dose equivalent rate values at the SNOLAB facility in Canada. The long exposure time of these detectors allows for better sensitivity in measuring ultra-low activity levels. The study concludes that TLDs provide reliable results in measuring the ultra-low-level environmental radiation background.