High-Energy Radiation Damage to Fluorescent Organic Solids

Radiation damage to organic solids exposed to Co60 gamma rays has been studied through the analysis of the induced fluorescent changes. From the fluorescence degradation for two series of aromatic hydrocarbons, correlations between chemical structure and radiation damage have been established. In addition, modifications in a conventional model used to describe the fluorescent degradation mechanism in organic materials are suggested by the data. Some of the organic materials studies have potential application in a dosimetry system based on fluorescence degradation.