In calorimeters, the increase in temperature of the calorimeter absorber is proportional to the incident fluence. Calorimeters are typically used as Fluence Monitors (all incident fluence is absorbed) and as Dose Monitors (nearly uniform X-ray absorption throughout depth of calorimeter absorber). For example, the 25.4 micron gold calorimeter is an excellent Fluence Monitor out to about 10 keV and serves as a Dose Monitor for energies above 50 keV. As with Nu-Trek’s other detectors, Nu-Trek’s calorimeters are designed so that their response can be accurately calculated from first principles.

Spectral response function of a 25.4 m m thick gold calorimeter.

Maxwell Technologies used these calorimeters extensively and they have also been used on Under Ground Tests (UGTs). Depending on the design, the calorimeters can be used to characterize various radiation environments, such as pulsed bremsstrahlung and soft X-ray (0.1-10 keV) sources. Similar calorimeters have also been used to characterize e-beams.

Gold calorimeter used at Maxwell Technologies to measure soft x-ray (0.1-10 keV) fluence and bremsstrahlung dose.