A comparison of the performance characteristics of four film dosimeters in a 10-MeV electron beam.

Performance characteristics of four routine film dosimeters (CTA, B-3, PVC and LiF (Sunna)) in a 10-MeV electron beam were investigated. Dose response curves for the range 5-40kGy are presented. The dose response curve is linear for the CTA film, supralinear for the LiF (Sunna) film and sublinear for the B-3 and PVC films. The low sensitivity of the CTA film to ionizing radiation restricts its use to high doses, while the supralinear response curve of the LiF (Sunna) dosimeter allows this film to be used only in measurements of low doses. The optical absorption temperature coefficients for the CTA, B-3 and LiF (Sunna) films were found to be at the level of +/-0.1%/( composite function)C. The temperature coefficient for the PVC film decreased from +0.35%/( composite function)C immediately after irradiation to +0.04%/( composite function)C three months later. Because of the significant time dependence of the PVC film signal, a careful standardization of the heating regimen and of the time between the irradiations and measurements is necessary.