Reusable Personal Radiation Dosimeter for Ultraviolet or Radioactive Radiation

This inexpensive device is worn on clothing and is reusable.

Radiation dosimeters are important for people working with radioactive isotopes, as in analytical research laboratories, in nuclear medical applications, in medical X-ray imaging, in nuclear power-stations, or in non-destructive testing of materials by ionizing radiation. They need to know their received radiation dose and need to be warned when threshold values are exceeded. Another area where personal radiation doses are important is in the exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light (UV-A , UV-B, and UV-C). Dose detection can be helpful for skin protection and damage prevention.

A personal radiation dosimeter was developed that is reusable, inexpensive, and worn on personal clothing. The radiation dosimeter can be used for UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C light, and for X-ray and radioactive radiation.

It can be used to detect any radiation with wavelengths <350 nm. It works by a photostimulable phosphor, which accumulates the energy of the irradiation. After the exposure period to irradiation, the dose received is deduced by detecting the light emitted by the phosphor upon stimulation with a secondary radiation. The energy stored in the phosphor can be erased and used again.

The dosimeter can be equipped with filters for simultaneous quantification of radiation of different energies. Alternatively, filters can be built in to differentiate between radiation of different energies.

This technology is offered by AGFA-Gevaert NV. For more information, view the yet2.com TechPak at http://info.hotims.com/28055-156.