Performance of the BeOSL eye lens dosemeter with radiation protection glasses

Abstract

A new BeOSL eye lens dosemeter for integration in radiation protection glasses has been investigated in laboratory tests on an Alderson head phantom. Several dosemeter positions on an unshielded Alderson phantom were exposed in the primary x-ray beam. They were then compared to dosemeters shielded by radiation protection glasses, including a new model (MAVIG BR330) featuring a mechanical interface for the dosemeter. Primary goals were to evaluate the dose reduction for several types of glasses and geometries, as well as to confirm optimal dosemeter position for evaluation of the dose to the eye lens. Results show that radiation protection glasses lower the dose to the eye lens and thus should be worn at all times. Furthermore, they confirm the choice of the measuring position behind the lateral shielding next to the eye closer to the radiation source. However, we also show that small changes in geometry can have a large effect on both dosimetry and protection properties of the glasses. Finally, the results are extended to a wider energy range with data from Monte Carlo Simulations.