Space dosimetry with the application of a 3D silicon detector telescope: response function and inverse algorithm

Radiat Prot Dosimetry. 2006;120(1-4):401-4. doi: 10.1093/rpd/nci539. Epub 2006 Mar 31.

Abstract

One of the many risks of long-duration space flights is the excessive exposure to cosmic radiation, which has great importance particularly during solar flares and higher sun activity. Monitoring of the cosmic radiation on board space vehicles is carried out on the basis of wide international co-operation. Since space radiation consists mainly of charged heavy particles (protons, alpha and heavier particles), the equivalent dose differs significantly from the absorbed dose. A radiation weighting factor (w(R)) is used to convert absorbed dose (Gy) to equivalent dose (Sv). w(R) is a function of the linear energy transfer of the radiation. Recently used equipment is suitable for measuring certain radiation field parameters changing in space and over time, so a combination of different measurements and calculations is required to characterise the radiation field in terms of dose equivalent. The objectives of this project are to develop and manufacture a three-axis silicon detector telescope, called Tritel, and to develop software for data evaluation of the measured energy deposition spectra. The device will be able to determine absorbed dose and dose equivalent of the space radiation.

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation
  • Electronics
  • Equipment Design
  • Equipment Failure Analysis
  • Lenses*
  • Radiation Dosage
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Semiconductors
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Silicon / chemistry*
  • Silicon / radiation effects*
  • Space Flight / instrumentation*
  • Surface Properties
  • Thermoluminescent Dosimetry / instrumentation*
  • Thermoluminescent Dosimetry / methods

Substances

  • Silicon