Quartz resonator based low-energy ionizing radiation detection

Our work aims at the development of a wireless, remote sensing method for quantitatively measuring radiation doses. We have selected high-frequency (several 100 MHz to 1 GHz) quartz crystal resonators as probes of the ionizing radiation field. We here focus on the effects of low energy X ray and electron beams on these sensors. As opposed to classical work concerned with eliminating the disturbances induced by radiations, we here attempt to characterize the response of the resonators as a function of dose and radiation energy in order to be able to use the frequency signal as a remotely interrogated radiation probe. We present results of bulk acoustic wave resonators, surface acoustic wave resonators and surface acoustic wave delay lines under X-rays and electrons irradiation: we interpret all observed signals (frequency or phase shift during electron irradiation) as thermal effects. Hence, surface acoustic wave resonators can make suitable calorimeters, compatible with wireless interrogation, and high sensitivity if a quartz cut with high temperature sensitivity (Z-cut) is used.