Studies on optical absorption response of gamma irradiated KNOsub(3)

Abstract

Potassium nitrate has been shown to be an interesting material for ionizing radiation detection. especially for high dose levels (>1 kGy). Due to its low cost, ease preparation and evaluation it has been studied for routine application in radiation quality control of industrial applications. Using optical absorption analysis, KNO; solutions, obtained from KNO; pellets irradiated with **Co gamma and dissolved in pure water with a coloring solution were studied for high dose levels dosimetry. To increase the sensitivity and linear dose range different sensitizers compounds were mixed with the KNO; powder and then cold pressed. The procedure for analyzing optical absorption spectra was to measure the height of the peaks of interest, after the peaks had been isolated through subtraction of base line. The studied parameters to characterize the material as a radiation detector were: doseresponse range; signal stability; maximum absorption wavelength. The results will be presented and discussed.