dosemeter

A dosemeter is a device used to measure or estimate the accumulated dose of ionizing radiation. It is also known as a radiation detector or radiation monitor. Dosemeters are crucial for radiation protection, allowing individuals to track their exposure and ensure it remains below regulatory limits. There are several types of dosemeters, each with different operating principles and applications.

One common type is the personal dosemeter, worn by individuals working with or around radioactive materials or in environments with potential radiation exposure. These are typically small and can be attached to clothing. Examples include film badges, thermoluminescent dosemeters (TLDs), and optically stimulated luminescence dosemeters (OSLDs). Film badges use photographic film that darkens in proportion to the radiation dose received. TLDs and OSLDs contain materials that store energy from radiation, which is then released as light when heated or stimulated by light, respectively, allowing the dose to be calculated.

Another category includes survey dosemeters, which are portable instruments used to measure radiation levels in an area at a specific time. These are often used to check for contamination or to assess potential exposure risks. Examples include Geiger counters and ionization chambers.

Dosemeters are essential for implementing radiation safety protocols in various fields, including nuclear medicine, radiology, industrial radiography, and nuclear power generation. The data collected by dosemeters helps in assessing occupational health risks and ensuring compliance with safety standards.