How Do Film Badges Used in Nuclear Plants Respond to Microwave Radiation?

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SUMMARY

Film badges used in nuclear plants are specifically designed to measure ionizing radiation and do not respond to microwave radiation from devices like microwave ovens. Thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) can be affected by heat, which may cause them to respond if exposed to microwave radiation, as the heating process releases stored energy. The discussion highlights that while film badges are not suitable for measuring microwaves, TLDs could potentially show a response due to their operational principles.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of ionizing radiation and its measurement
  • Knowledge of film badge technology and its applications
  • Familiarity with thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) and their functioning
  • Basic principles of radiation detection and dosimetry
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the operational principles of thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs)
  • Explore the differences between film badges and TLDs in radiation measurement
  • Investigate the effects of heat on radiation detection devices
  • Learn about the historical use of radiation measurement in post-war studies, such as those conducted in Nagasaki and Hiroshima
USEFUL FOR

Radiation safety professionals, nuclear plant operators, health physicists, and anyone involved in radiation measurement and dosimetry.

BillJx
Someone told me that the film badges used in nuclear plants respond to microwave radiation from microwave ovens, as well as to the ionizing radiation they're intended for. I don't understand how this could work. Can someone explain it, or is it just not true?
 
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Film badges don't respond to microwaves.
I don't know about TLDs - they are read and reset by heat so I suppose if you put them in a microwave they could respond.
 
I suspect heating of the film may darken it. Ask your dentist for some film and try it. It has a Pb backing that, I suspect, must be removed.

TLD devices are read by heating, which releases the stored energy from the irradiation. A photo-sensitive device does the reading. This is how Nagasaki / Hiroshima radiation was much later measured from pottery (roof tiles?)

bc
 

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