Simulation-Assisted Methodology for the Design of Fiber-Based Dosimeters for a Variety of Radiation Environments

Abstract

We present a simulation-assisted methodology for the design of point or distributed fiber dosimeters exploiting the linear dependence of the infrared radiation-induced attenuation of a single-mode phosphosilicate optical fiber. We demonstrate by comparing Monte Carlo simulations and experiments at different irradiation facilities (X-rays, -rays, protons and atmospheric neutrons) that the sensitivity coefficient of this fiber is independent on the nature of particles and on dose rate, at least up to total ionizing doses in the order of 500 Gy. Our simulations allow us to simulate the dose deposited in the fiber core (and then the Radiation Induced Attenuation (RIA) levels) for the different classes of particles (photons, electrons, neutrons, protons and heavy ions) and for different energy ranges. From this data, and knowing the environments of targeted applications for the fiber optic dosimeters, we can discuss the different designs and achievable performance using this fiber. Examples are discussed with space applications, atmospheric balloon experiments and fusion-devoted facilities.