A fibre optic based approach and device for sensing beta radiation in liquids

Abstract

An optical fibre-based beta radiation sensing device has been investigated for the purpose of detecting low levels of the daughter products of Uranium-238 in liquids for mineral processing and environmental monitoring applications. The sensor operates by detecting the scintillation light produced by polymer optical fibres. A range of fibres have been studied by quantifying a number of properties that are critical to their performance including the beta radiation scintillation response, transmission loss, and performance under the proposed environmental conditions. Based on these measurements, the most suitable fibre type was incorporated within a prototype sensing device which is capable of performing direct, real-time, continuous measurements of beta radiation emitting radionuclides within solutions or suspensions, which is not possible with current measurement techniques. The technology presented here allows for the detection of low levels of beta radiation in liquids, which could be useful for the detection of radiation in mineral processing liquids, municipal water sources, and storage tanks containing nuclear fuel.