Abstract

• Solid state detectors (SSNTDs) are the most effective devices currently utilized in ionizing radiation detection due to their ease of usage. The relationship between SSNTDs (mica and LR 115) and various radiations (neutrons, gamma, and alpha) were examined in this work. Mica and LR-115 type II detectors were irradiated by neutrons from the Am(Be) source with a flux of 104 neutrons cm-2s-1, alpha from the Po-210 source with activity of 0.1 µCi, and gamma from the Co 60 and Cs-137 sources. For preliminary studies, the neutrons and gamma irradiation times for mica and for LR-115 were 7 days. After irradiation, the detectors were etched with 48 % HF solution and 6 M NaOH solution, respectively, by using two etching methods: conventional chemical etching (CE) and ultrasonic-induced chemical etching (UCE). To study the relation between radiation exposure time and nature of detectors, the detectors were exposed to neutrons for 7, 14, 21, and 28 days and alpha radiation for 30, 45, 60, and 75 min. The doses of gamma rays for mica and for LR-115 were 100 Gy, 200 Gy, 300 Gy, and 400 Gy, respectively. After irradiation, the tracks formed were etched with 48 % HF solution (for mica) and 6 M NaOH solution (for LR-115) for 30 s using an ultrasonic cleaner. The etched tracks in irradiated mica and LR-115 detectors were observed by using optical microscopes and FT IR methods. The LR-115 detector is the most effective at detecting alpha radiation, while the mica detector is better at detecting neutrons and gamma radiation. Because a higher track density forms, the LR-115 detector is better suited for alpha detection than mica. The potential of SSNTDs (mica and LR-115) to serve as reliable dosimeters has been demonstrated.