Journal Article

IMPULSE-2026-00084

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Optical response characterization of dyed-polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) dosimeters under high-dose X-ray irradiation

Aguiar, Y. Q. (Corresponding author) ; Avesani, M. ; Mandal, A. R. ; Li, X.MLZ* ; Hutanu, V.MLZ* ; Morana, A. ; Alía, R. G. ; Girard, S. ; Ferrari, M.

2026
Elsevier Science Amsterdam [u.a.]

Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1016/j.radmeas.2026.107614

Abstract: This study assesses the suitability of commercial dyed polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) dosimeters for high-dose radiation applications extending into the hundreds of kilograys. Three PMMA dosimeter types (Gammachrome YR+, Amber 3042, and Red 4034) were investigated using both online and post-irradiation optical transmission measurements in the visible spectral range. The objective was to evaluate their dose sensitivity beyond nominal operational limits and to characterize their optical response through multi-wavelength transmittance and radiation-induced attenuation (RIA) analyses. Dosimeters were exposed to X-rays at dose rates of 0.9 and 1.2 Gy[HO]/s, covering doses from 0.1 Gy to 282 kGy. Monte Carlo simulations using the PHITS code were performed to model radiation transport and dose deposition in the different materials. The results demonstrate a clear, dose-dependent optical response of dyed PMMA, with wavelength-specific behavior indicative of color-center formation and evolution. Recovery measurements show that the RIA signal is highly stable over several hours at nominal wavelengths, with only minor relaxation observed in the near-infrared region, supporting the applicability of these dosimeters for both real-time and passive measurements. Comparisons with Radiophotoluminescent (RPL) FD-7 dosimeters reveal consistent trends, suggesting the potential for establishing a conversion between RPL and PMMA dose responses. Overall, the findings support the extension of dyed-PMMA dosimetry beyond current commercial limits and contribute to the development of robust dosimetry techniques for extreme radiation environments.

Keyword(s): Energy (1st) ; Industrial Application (2nd)

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Technische Universität München (TUM)
2. IRRAD (IRRAD)

Experiment(s):

1. Irradiation facility

Appears in the scientific report 2026

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Database coverage:
Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; Current Contents - Physical, Chemical and Earth Sciences ; Ebsco Academic Search ; Essential Science Indicators ; IF < 5 ; JCR ; Nationallizenz ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Web of Science Core Collection

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