EPR measurements of fingernails in Q-band

Results of a feasibility study for the use of the Q-band EPR measurements of fingernails are presented. Details of the first protocol developed for Q-band (34 GHz) EPR dose measurements in fingernails and preliminary results of a dosimetry study in comparison with the commonly-used X-band (9 GHz) are reported. It was found that 1-5 mg sample mass was sufficient for EPR measurements in fingernails in the Q-band, which is significantly less than the 15-30 mg needed for the X-band. This finding makes it possible to obtain sufficient fingernail sample for dose measurements, practically from every finger of any person. Another finding was that the spectral resolution of the mechanically-induced signal (MIS) and radiation-induced signal (RIS) in the Q-band was significantly better than in the X-band. The RIS and MIS in the Q-band spectrum have a more complex structure than in the X-band, which potentially offers the possibility to do dose measurements in fingernails without treatment and immediately after clipping. These findings and recent results related to fingernail dosimetry in the Q-band and its perspectives are discussed here. Published by Elsevier Ltd.