Design of Automatic Radiation Detection System as a Part of Radiation Protection in Linear Accelerator Facilities

The main objective of this study is the development of an automatic radiation detection system that can be installed at linear accelerator facilities. This system aims to inform the linear accelerator operating staff about the ambient radiation dose rate inside the treatment room. This information might further improve radiation safety. The system is meant to capture residual radiation in the treatment room induced by photonuclear radioactive activation of materials inside the linear accelerator. This study contains current knowledge about ionizing radiation, its dosimetry and detection. It also contains the newest radiation protection laws and radiation protection standards of linear accelerator facilities. The main part of the study is concerned with the design of the detection system - hardware, software, connection and testing of functionality and reliability of the system. The testing was performed by measurement of residual radiation 20 cm away from the source of the linear accelerator. It was performed immediately after applying determined monitor units of photons with energies of 10 MeV and 15 MeV. Measurements were carried out simultaneously using our system and a certified dosimeter RAYSAFE 452. The measured values were compared afterward. Measurement error of 6,08 % and 6,25 %, respectively, was observed. Therefore, the system is arguably reliable and adequate for its purposed use.