Novel approach for emergency dosimetry: Investigations of screen protectors for smartphones by EPR spectroscopy

Abstract

Screen protectors for smartphone are investigated in attempts for emergency dosimetry as for example in case of malicious attacks with radioactive sources or accidental overexposure. Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) measurements were carried out on six different types of screen protectors (SPs). The inter and intra batch variability of the EPR signals characteristics (sensitivity, stability, signal shape) were studied. Contrary to touch screen (De Angelis et al., 2015; Juniewicz et al., 2020), UVB exposure for SP is not a limiting confounding factor. All samples under irradiation exhibit same EPR signals. The nature of the radio-induced point defects was identified (HC1 and HC2) as well as their evolution according to dose. The linear dose response was studied in the 0–5 Gy dose range with a detection limit estimated of 750 mGy with a field deployable benchtop EPR spectrometer. Large variability of the dose response prevents presently from using universal calibration curve. Therefore, further work is needed to consider possible application for triage in the case of large-scale accidents scenarios.