μDose System
DESCRIPTION
μDose is a compact system for assessing the dose rate of ionising radiation in sediment and ceramic samples.
The system is equipped with a unique dual scintillator. It allows us to measure α and β particles separately. In contrast to conventional α pair counting, the scintillator can be reused many, many times!
We offer a number of advantages:
- Small sample mass down to ca. 0.5 g
- Compact size: W: 22 cm × L: 22 cm × H: 34 cm, M: 12 kg. The system easily fits a desk
- No need to replace the scintillator
- Combined alpha and beta counting allows determining potassium content along thorium and uranium
- Several systems can be connected to one PC
- Systems can be equipped with scintillator sizes according to the application
- Measurement time depends on the sample size but for most applications it is 1-2 days
- Comprehensive software allows performing calculations of the dose rate under differing conditions
- Detailed reports produced accelerate the process of dose rate calculation
- There are no running costs connected with use of materials
- Assistance with installation and operation of the system
PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
The principle of operation is described in detail in the section R&D. In short, the built-in pulse analyzer measures the amplitude of each individual pulse, the pulse shape and the time interval between subsequent pulses. This gives information about gross α and β counts detected.
Moreover, the pulse analyzer allows to detect decay pairs arising from 220Rn/216Po, 219Rn/215Po, 212Bi/212Po and 214Bi/214Po. Decay pairs, α and β particles count rates are used to quantify 238U, 235U and 232Th decay chains. The excess of β count rate is used to estimate the 40K radioactivity. Read here
μDose System
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Annual dose rate module for OSL/TL/EPR dating
The µDose system is supplied with easy-to-use software for radiation dose rate calculation. The α, β and γ dose rates are obtained with a high precision thanks to the built-in Monte Carlo and probabilistic modules taking full advantage of the statistical properties of the measurements performed by the instrument. This means that dose rate uncertainty and counting time can be improved. Read here
The built-in dose rate module allows to account for all the factors described in literature, like the α particle effectiveness expressed by the a-value, grain sizes, chemical etching, water content, relative sample position in the investigated profile and cosmic dose rate. These corrections are needed to obtain reliable annual dose rates in trapped charge dating.
Depending on specific user needs measurement time can span from 24 hours typical radioactivities up to 48 hours for low level radioactivity samples.
μDose software
Each μDOSE system is delivered with a dedicated PC that has pre installed software for measurements and data analysis. Software allows measurements, calibrations of 238U, 235U, 232Th decay chains, 40K and dose rate calculations. This is available with an intuitive graphical interface. Moreover, for the user’s convenience, the input data are pre-filled with the most recently obtained values. This greatly simplifies the dose rate calculation procedure.
Other
Due to strong radioactive sources installed in TL/OSL readers it is advised not to operate the μDOSE system in the same laboratory room or to provide sufficient distance between the μDOSE system and TL/OSL readers. Sample preparation for the μDOSE system requires balance with 0.003 g precision and a ball-mill. Other materials and consumables are provided with each μDOSE system.
SYSTEM PRESENTATION
DOWNLOAD
μDOSE SYSTEM
System description
(DOWNLOAD)
Dose rate module
(DOWNLOAD)