[Observation of Cherenkov Radiation from Aquarium Irradiated with Co-60 Gamma-rays]

Abstract

Cherenkov radiation in water at a nuclear power plant is caused by a nuclear fuel rod and is well known generally. If students can observe Cherenkov radiation at school easily, they can be impressed by the fascinating radiation. Moreover the observation may bring about interest in radiological physics profoundly. A few years ago, management of the Co-60 gamma-ray irradiation apparatus was transferred to Nagoya university school of health sciences from the related hospital. Therefore we have examined the system to observe the Cherenkov radiation in water from secondary electrons generated by Co-60 gamma-rays. At first, the Cherenkov radiation in the aquarium was led to the corridor outside the irradiation room using a mirror, and observed directly while avoiding exposure. Secondly photographs of the Cherenkov radiation from various angles were taken under conditions which consisted of several irradiation fields and pass lengths of gamma-rays in water, and were compared with each other. Our method for observing the Cherenkov radiation may be useful enough for students to raise their dedication in radiological physics study.