Dosimeter, types, working, uses

Define?

A dosimeter is a device that measures the amount of ionizing radiation a person has been exposed to. Dosimeters usually report the dose, which is the absorbed radiant energy in grayscale (Gy) or the equivalent dose in sieverts (Sv). A personal dosimeter is a dosimeter that a controlled person wears on the surface of the body and records the radiation dose received.

Properties:

A dosimeter must have at least one physical property that is a function of the measurable dosimetric quantity and can be used for radiation dosimetry when properly calibrated to function as a radiation dosimeter. They must have many desirable properties to be useful. For example, it is used in radiotherapy, the exact knowledge of the absorbed dose in water at a given point and its spatial distribution, as well as the ability to calculate the dose to the patient's organ in question, are essential. Accuracy and precision, linearity, dose or dose rate dependence, energy response, directional dependence, and spatial resolution are all desirable properties of a dosimeter.

Types:

There are two types:

1)Passive Dosimeters:

Thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD) and film badges are two commonly used passive dosimeters. The radiation-induced signal is generated by a passive type and stored in the device. The data is then processed and analyzed.

2)Active Dosimeters:

They are used to calculate the amount of our exposure in real-time. An active dosimeter such as a personal electronic dosimeter (EPD) can be used in place of a passive dosimeter. It generates a radiation-induced signal and provides real-time measurements of the observed dose.

 Other Types:

There are several types, commonly used to measure and monitor radiation exposure. Here are some of the main types:

Film Dosimeter: This type consists of a small strip of film in a plastic container. The film is sensitive to radiation and darkens with exposure. The degree of blindness is then analyzed in the laboratory to determine the dose received.

Thermoluminescent Dosimeter (TLD): TLDs use crystals, such as lithium fluoride or calcium fluoride, that store radiant energy when exposed. When heated, the crystals release their stored energy in the form of light, which is measured to determine the dose.

Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) Dosimeter: They use aluminum oxide or similar materials that retain radiant energy. When exposed to light, the trapped energy is released as luminescence, which can be measured to calculate the

Pocket Ionization Chamber: These contain a chamber filled with ionized gas. The resulting ionization current is measured to determine the radiation dose.

Solid State Dosimeter: It uses a semiconductor material such as silicon to detect radiation. When emitted, it causes a change in the electrical properties of the semiconductor, which is measured to determine the dose.

Electronic Personal Dosimeter (EHR): PDOs are compact electronic devices that provide real-time monitoring of radiation exposure. They use different detection technologies such as solid-state detectors or scintillation detectors and display the dose on a digital screen.

Silicon Fiber Dosimeter: These dosimeters consist of silica fiber that changes properties when exposed to radiation. This change is then measured to determine the radiation dose.

What is a Household Dosimeter?

It also known as a personal monitor or personal detector, is a wearable device designed to allow people to monitor radiation levels in their home or personal environment. This allows people to assess the potential risk from radiation and take appropriate precautions if necessary. Home dosimeters are generally compact and easy to use, making them suitable for non-professionals who want to get a general idea of the radiation levels in their environment. They can be especially useful for people who live near nuclear power plants, radioactive waste sites, or areas with naturally occurring radioactive material.

There are several types of home dosimeters on the market, from simple detection cards to more sophisticated electronic devices. Here are some examples:

Radon detectors: Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can seep into homes from the ground. Radon detectors are specifically designed to measure indoor radon levels and warn people of potential exposure to radon.

Geiger-Muller (GM) counters: GM counters are hand-held devices that detect and measure ionizing radiation, including alpha, beta, and gamma rays. They usually have an audible click or visual display indicating the intensity of the radiation.

Scintillation detectors:  Scintillation detectors use special crystals that emit light when exposed to radiation. These detectors can measure different types,  and provide more detailed information about the detected energy.

Personal Electronic Dosimeters (EHRs): EHRs, as mentioned earlier, are versatile devices that can be used as home dosimeters. They provide real-time monitoring levels, often displaying the dose rate and accumulated dose on a digital screen.

About Dosimetry:

Exposure to various types of radiation is unavoidable. There are natural sources, including the sun, radon from decaying uranium in the soil, and particles in the air. There are also man-made sources, such as computers, cell phones, and devices used for medical imaging. The United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission has established standards that allow exposures of up to 100 mrem per year for members of the public and 5,000 mrem per year for those who work with and around radioactive materials. Different operating conditions require measurement and detection levels. Dosimeters have been developed to measure the absorbed quantity of ionizing radiation. To better understand how it works, it is important to understand the purpose of its use, who benefits from it, and why you should use it.

How does it Work?

Initially, dosimeters were film-based badges. Radiation exposure is printed on film and badges are collected and sent for processing to determine the amount of exposure received. Modern technology has greatly simplified this process. Digital badges, such as the Instadose+ dosimeter, can detect and log exposure, and results are available almost immediately after downloading the information to a computer, smartphone, or mobile device. The small badges attach easily to clothing and can be held by individuals rather than being collected and redistributed. This is a smarter solution for measuring and controlling radiation.

Who is a Dosimeter Useful for?

Dosimeters benefit anyone who works with or near radiation. The dosimeter allows individuals to monitor their personal exposure and also allows management to monitor staff exposure on a daily and cumulative basis. Everyone benefits from using a dosimeter, which gives workers the peace of mind of knowing that their employers care about the dose they may be exposed to, and also gives management the ability to retrain or train staff if the dose for certain medical or dental procedures is too high. high.

Why should you Consider a Dosimeter?

Radiation exposure can have different consequences depending on the size of the dose and the duration of the person's exposure. Exposure to large amounts has been linked to diseases such as cataract cancer and, in some cases, has resulted in death. The dosimeter is designed to monitor exposure and serves as a tool to alert a person if radiation quantity levels exceed unhealthy levels of radiation exposure.

Uses:

They have a variety of uses in different industries and applications. Here are some common uses:

• Industrial  Monitoring: Dosimeters are widely used in industries where workers are exposed to ionizing radiation, such as nuclear power plants, medical facilities, industrial radiography, and research laboratories. Workers wear dosimeters to monitor levels of radiation exposure, enforce safety regulations and maintain a safe work environment.
• Medical radiation: Dosimeters play a crucial role in the medical applications of radiation. They are used by radiologists, radiologists, and other healthcare professionals to measure the amount of radiation patients receive during medical imaging procedures such as X-rays, CT scans, etc. This helps optimize the dose for effective diagnosis or treatment while minimizing potential risks to patients.
• Environmental Monitoring: They are used to monitor environmental radiation in areas near nuclear facilities, waste storage sites, or sites with naturally occurring radioactive materials. They help measure and monitor levels in air, water, and soil to ensure compliance with safety standards and identify potential risks to the environment and human health.
• Radiation research: They are used in scientific research related to radiation, such as biology research, the development of radiopharmaceuticals, and the effects on materials. They enable researchers to accurately measure and quantify doses, providing valuable data for understanding radiation effects and developing safety recommendations.
• Emergency Response: They are essential tools in emergency situations where there is a potential or actual release of radiation, such as nuclear accidents or accidents involving radioactive materials. First responders and emergency responders wear dosimeters to monitor radiation exposure and ensure their safety during response and recovery operations.
• Personal Safety and Awareness: Some people choose to use personal dosimeters as a means of monitoring radiation exposure in their daily lives. This can give people a sense of awareness and control over their environment, especially those who live near such sources or engage in hobbies or activities that involve exposure to radiation, such as amateur radiography or uranium prospecting. Dosimeters play a vital role in radiation safety and risk management in various industries. They help monitor and control exposure, enforce safety regulations, and help maintain a safe and healthy environment for workers and the public.