Beta-backscattering thickness-meter design and evaluation with fuzzy TOPSIS method

An industrial gauge for measuring thickness of a gold coating layer deposited on a steel base through detection of the backscattered beta particles has been described. 3H, 14C and 63Ni pure beta emitters have been tested as the radioisotopic sources of the system individually in a fixed geometry. Analytical calculations have been performed in each case. Furthermore, simulations based on Monte Carlo stochastic technique (MCNP) have been processed. The obtained results from both methods have been compared to define the sensitivity of the system in each case. Finally for the first time, fuzzy TOPSIS method has been used for choosing the best source in the defined geometry for manufacturing, considering the following three criteria: (a) saturation thickness, (b) precision and (c) sensitivity. Results have shown that 3H source is the best alternative to the introduced measuring system.