ESR dosimetric properties of window glass

The general dosimetric characteristics of commercially window glass were investigated with electron spin resonance (ESR) technique. Irradiated window glasses exhibit a paramagnetic oxygen hole center with an ESR signal at g = 2.0128. The study was carried out on g = 2.0128 signal because of the accuracy of measurements and the possibility of using it as ESR dosimeter. The thermal stability and kinetic features of the ESR signal were studied by annealing the samples at predetermined temperature for predetermined time over the temperature range of 60–150 °C. The response of the signal at g = 2.0128 to 60Co γ-ray doses ranging from 5 Gy to 20 kGy has been studied. Dose–response was found to be appropriate for dosimetry in the range 5 Gy–20 kGy, taking into account its thermal fading. The other ESR dosimetric parameters of window glass samples, like light effect, dose-rate dependence, reproducibility of measurement, batch uniformity and photon energy dependence, have also been studied in detail. Apart from its non-tissue equivalence character, it showed very good dosimetric properties with visible light independency, good reproducibility, batch uniformity, wide dose–response range (5 Gy–20 kGy), dose-rate independency and independency from photon energy above 100 keV. These features of window glass can open application fields for high-dose measurements and in accident dosimetry in near future.