David Stuart Roth

US Patent:

55961991, Jan 21, 1997

Filed:

Feb 6, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/383959

Inventors:

Peter J. McNulty - Sseneca SC
W. Joseph Beauvais - Central SC
David R. Roth - Pendleton SC
Wanda K. Moran - Phoenix AZ
Robert A. Reed - Clemson SC

Assignee:

Clemson University - Clemson SC

International Classification:

G01T 124
G01T 102

US Classification:

25037007

Abstract:

Apparatus and method for qualitatively and quantitatively analyzing a complex radiation field are provided. A passive microdosimetry detector device records the energy deposition of incident radiation using an array of microstructure non-volatile memory devices. Each microstructure non-volatile memory device is capable of storing a predetermined initial charge without requiring a power source. A radiation particle incident to a microstructure non-volatile memory device is termed an "event". Each such event may generate a charge within a sensitive volume defined by the microstructure non-volatile memory device. The charge generated within the sensitive volume alters the stored initial charge by an amount falling within a range corresponding to the energy deposited by certain particle types. Data corresponding to such charge alterations for a plurality of microstructure non-volatile memory devices within an array of such devices are presented to a qualitative analyzing device. The qualitative analyzing device converts the data to a spectral analysis of the incident radiation field by applying ICRP-recommended weighting factors to individual events or approximations thereof.