Ion Radiation Detection Using Implanted Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Polyethylene Structures (UHMWPE)

Abstract

The effect of ion implantation, including Ar + ion with influences (1 × 10 13-10 15 ions/cm 2), on the electrical and optical properties of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) were investigated with particular emphasis placed on the sensor performance to be used in the field of radiation detection. The obtained results focusing on the effect of the different influences showed a significant change in the electrical conductivity, capacitance and loss tangent. The absorption spectra for UHMWPE samples were recorded and the values of the allowed direct and indirect optical energy gap (E opt) d , (E opt) in of UHMWPE and energies of the localized states for the virgin and implanted samples were calculated. We found that the optical energy gap values decreased as the radiation dose increased. The results can be explained on the basis of the ion beam radiation-induced damage in the linear chains of UHMWPE, with cross-linking generated after implantation. The observed changes in both the optical and the electrical properties suggest that the UHMWPE film may be considered as an effective material to achieve ionradiation detection at room temperature.