ESR investigation of joint use of dentin and tooth enamel to estimate photon and neutron dose components of a mixed field.

ABSTRACT

In the case of mixed photon and neutron field, estimation of photon and neutron dose components from the ESR signal of tooth enamel alone is impossible. To differentiate neutron and photon components using the method described in ICRU 26 for twin chambers, enamel and dentin sensitivities to photon and to neutron were investigated. Enamel and dentin relative sensitivities were, respectively, estimated at 0.03 +/- 0.02 and 0.14 +/- 0.10 for fission neutrons. Basing on this result, calculation of neutron and photon doses was performed in realistic case of criticality accident. Estimation of neutron and photon dose components was found in good agreement with reference dosimetry.