Ambient Dose and Dose Rate Measurement in SNOLAB Underground Laboratory at Sudbury, Ontario, Canada

TL;DR

This paper presents a method using thermoluminescent dosimeters to accurately measure ultra-low-level ambient radiation in SNOLAB, aiding dark matter research by characterizing environmental background radiation.

Contribution

It introduces a passive detection system with long exposure capabilities for precise ultra-low-level ambient dose measurement in an underground laboratory.

Findings

TLDs reliably measure ultra-low environmental radiation levels.

The method enhances sensitivity for dark matter experiment shielding assessments.

Results confirm low background radiation in SNOLAB's Cube Hall.

Abstract

The paper describes a system and experimental procedure that use integrating passive detectors, such as thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs), for the measurement of ultra-low-level ambient dose equivalent rate values at the underground SNOLAB facility located in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. Because these detectors are passive and can be exposed for relatively long periods of time, they can provide better sensitivity for measuring ultra-low activity levels. The final characterization of ultra-low-level ambient dose around water shielding for ongoing direct dark matter search experiments in Cube Hall at SNOLAB underground laboratory is given. The conclusion is that TLDs provide reliable results in the measurement of the ultra-low-level environmental radiation background.