X-ray dose imaging using the optically stimulated luminescence of a NaMgF3:Mn/epoxy composite and CCD camera readout

The optically stimulated luminescence of a NaMgF3:Mn/epoxy composite has been used for two-dimensional X-ray dose imaging using a thermoelectrically cooled CCD camera to detect the luminescence. Exposing the material to ionising radiation filled defects that could be optically stimulated at 365 nm and that yielded Mn2+ emission at 590 nm. The optically stimulated luminescence intensity was directly proportional to radiation dose and was linear with dose from 20 mGy up to at least 2.9 Gy. Two-dimensional dose maps could be obtained in 2 s and the noise-equivalent dose was calculated to be < 10 mGy. The modulation transfer function (MTF) defined the spatial resolution of the system as 1.4 line pairs/mm at MTF = 0.2. Our results indicate that the NaMgF3:Mn/ epoxy composite has properties that are promising for applications in two-dimensional dosimetry that include a linear response to radiation over a wide dose range and a high sensitivity to low doses. Coupled with a CCD readout system, images can be collected in short times on the order of seconds, and the system is capable of monitoring sub-millimetre dose variations.

Automated summary

In this study, optically stimulated luminescence was used for two-dimensional X-ray dose imaging of a NaMgF3:Mn/epoxy composite. The material showed a linear response to radiation dose and high sensitivity to low doses. Images with high resolution could be obtained within seconds using a CCD camera readout system, and the system was capable of monitoring sub-millimetre dose variations.