U.S.-Denmark Cooperative Research on Dosimetric Applicationsof Optically Stimulated Luminescence

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9400070 McKeever This award supports Professor Stephen McKeever of Oklahoma State University to initiate collaborative research with Dr. Lars Boetter-Jensen of the Nuclear Safety Research Department of Riso National Laboratory, Roskilde, Denmark. The ultimate objective of their research is to develop techniques for the application of Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) in retrospective radiation dosimetry. Their current research is investigating the mechanisms of OSL sensitivity variations in natural materials such as quartz and feldspar. Recent developments pioneered at Riso during studies at Chernobyl in the Ukraine suggest that the silicate minerals found in common house bricks could potentially be employed as local dosimeters. Collaboration with Dr. McKeever brings expertise in computer modeling of materials physics to the unique experimental facilities of the Danish group. A better understanding of the sensitivity variations which occur among samples as a result of thermal history, or other factors, will enable them to develop techniques to enhance the sensitivity of these measurements. Further enhancements seem likely as a result of the collaboration with Dr. McKeever. This is an unusual fundamental study in radiation physics which could have very valuable practical applications in the measurement of radiation exposures. The development of a better local dosimeter is important to both the U.S. and the world at large since the measurement of radiation exposure history to local environments is of major concern. If successful, the simplicity of methods using natural local materials would allow rapid radial mapping of the extent and degree of radioactive contamination. ***