Ion storage dosimetry

The availability of a reliable, accurate and cost-effective real-time perso nnel dosimetry system is fascinating to radiation workers. Electronic dosim eters are contemplated to meet this demand of active dosimetry. The develop ment of direct ion storage (DIS) dosimeters. a member of the electronic dos imeter family, for personnel dosimetry is also an attempt in this direction . DIS dosimeter is a hybrid of the well-established technology of ion chamb ers and the latest advances in data storage using metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) analog memory device. This dosimeter is c apable of monitoring legal occupational radiation doses of gamma, X-rays, b eta and neutron radiation. Similar to an ion chamber. the performance of th e dosimeter for a particular application can be optimized through the selec tion of appropriate wall materials. The use of the floating gate of a MOSFE T as one of the electrodes of the ion chamber allows the miniaturization of the device to the size of a dosimetry badge and avoids the use of power su pplies during dose accumulation. The concept of the device. underlying phys ics and the design of the DIS dosimeter are discussed. The results of preli minary testing of the device are also provided. Published by Elsevier Scien ce B.V.