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2024-11-23 17:42

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Conference: Bucharest University Faculty of Physics 2022 Meeting

Section: Nuclear and Elementary Particles Physics

Title:

GEANT4 simulation of radioluminescence light induced by an alpha emitting radioactive source in air

Authors:

Claudia OLARU (1,2)

Affiliation:

(1) University of Bucharest, Faculty of Physics, Romania

(2) “Horia Hulubei” National Institute for R&D in Physics and Nuclear Engineering (IFIN-HH), Romania

E-mail

olaruoclaudia@gmail.com

Keywords:

Monte Carlo simulations, radioluminescence, optical detection, alpha particles

Abstract:

For this work, Monte Carlo simulations using Geant4 were used to study the characteristics of the ultraviolet light emitted at the surface of an Am-241 radioactive source placed in air. This phenomenon is known as radioluminescence emission and occurs from the ionization of air molecules, induced by alpha particles. The simulation results were obtained within the 19ENV02 RemoteALPHA EMPIR project, which is currently in progress. Its main objective is to develop new optical systems that can be used for stand-off detection and quantification of environmental contaminations with alpha particle emitters, via air radioluminescence. The need for this type of detectors arises from the context of a nuclear emergency event, such as the failure of a nuclear installation, a terroristic attack, transportation accidents, or any events that may cause the contamination of the environment with alpha emitting radionuclides. To safely and efficiently investigate such an event, the traditional detection methods could be replaced by employing remotely controlled detectors to scan the contaminated areas, thus reducing the risks to emergency personnel, and providing real-time information about the radiological event. The emission of radioluminescence photons in air has been formerly studied in the literature and is based on the excitations of air molecules induced by secondary electrons released in ionizations. The excited molecules undergo radiative transitions to lower energy states, releasing UV-light photons. The simulation of radioluminescence photons was performed using data available in the literature, as well as experimental results from project activities. Finally, the ultraviolet image of a simulated Am-241 source was obtained.

Acknowledgement:

The project, 19ENV02 RemoteALPHA, has received funding from the EMPIR programme co- financed by the Participating States and from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme.