Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) characterization of phenol compounds as new materials for dosimetry in radiotherapy

Among the various dosimetric techniques used for characterizing the radiation beams used in radiation therapy, the electron spin resonance (ESR) arouses increasing interest for applications in various therapy procedures [1]. Free radicals are known to be produced when a compound is irradiated with ionizing radiations. The concentration of radiation-induced free radicals is proportional to the absorbed dos e and this allows for dosimetric measurements through ESR technique which able to quantitatively determine the radical concentration [2]. Our research group has started an investigation of the ESR response of some phenols compounds for possible ESR dosimetric ap plications suitable features, such as high efficiency of radiation-matter energy transfer and radical stability at room temperature [3-5]. In this work we report the ESR investigation of IRGANOX 1076 pellets a nd thin films exposed to various type of radiation beams (clinical photon and electron beams, neutron-photon mixed field).