N.D. Yordanov

X irradiation of sucrose single crystals at room temperature leads to the production of stable radicals, which give rise to the dosimetric electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) signal. In the first few hours after irradiation, however, the shape of the EPR spectrum changes drastically. Based on two-dimensional field-frequency electron nuclear double resonance (FF-ENDOR) measurements, we demonstrate that, after high-dose (5 kGy) and high-dose-rate irradiation, several species with limited stability at room temperature are produced next to the stable radicals. For two of these species, the main characteristics could be determined. Analysis of the time evolution of the FF-ENDOR and room-temperature EPR spectra in the first few hours after irradiation leads to the conclusion that these meta-stable radicals mainly recombine into diamagnetic species, while transformation into stable radicals is at most a marginal process.

The time stability and dose response of the free radicals produced in various types of “less-studied” mono- and disaccharides by γ-radiation is studied by EPR (Electron Paramagnetic Resonance) and UV spectrometry. The time evolution of the shape of the EPR spectra of irradiated saccharides is investigated from 5 min to 5 months after irradiation. The intensity of the stable EPR signal is studied as a function of the absorbed γ-dose in the range 0.5–20 kGy. Aqueous solutions of irradiated solid saccharides exhibit a UV absorption maximum in the range 250–290 nm. A linear dependency is found between the magnitude of the UV absorption maximum and the absorbed γ-dose. The time stability of the UV absorption maximum is also studied for every saccharide. The results are compared with those obtained for irradiated sucrose.