Measurements of the size distribution of unattached radon progeny by using the imaging plate

• A new graded screen array system based on imaging plate technique is developed.
• The front to total activity ratio of wire screens measured by the imaging plate technique is considered in the system.
• The system is capable to evaluate the size distribution of unattached radon progeny in air.
• The size distribution of 218Pb, 214Po, 214Bi is measured by the system under different particle concentrations.

The size distribution of unattached radon progeny is an important parameter for an accurate estimation of the internal dose of radon exposure. In this study, a new measuring system was developed to evaluate the size distribution of unattached radon progeny in air. In the system, airborne radon progeny were collected with a newly designed graded screen array (GSA), the activity concentrations were measured by using the imaging plate technique, and the size distribution of unattached fraction was retrieved by using an iterative nonlinear algorithm. The simulation results indicated that the collection characteristics of the new GSA system were well agreed with other systems. Test experiments showed that the activity-weighted median diameters (AMD) for unattached 218Po, 214Pb and 214Bi were 0.89 ± 0.11 nm, 0.96 ± 0.13 nm and 1.01 ± 0.25 nm in a particle-free radon chamber, and the distribution changed with different concentrations of particles. As multiple measurements can be simultaneously carried out with a single IP, the new technique is considered as an optional and useful way to measure the size distribution measurement of unattached radon progeny.