Review of Personal Monitoring Techniques for the Measurement of Absorbed Dose from External Beta and Low Energy Photon Radiation

Abstract

The techniques available at present for personal monitoring of doses from external beta and low energy photon radiation are reviewed. The performance of currently used dosimetry systems is compared with that recommended internationally, and developments for improving the actual performance are outlined. The subjects dealt with comprise: the quantity to be measured, the required accuracy of measurement, calibration procedures, and dosemeter design including the main parameters influencing the energy and angular response of the dosemeter, such as detector thickness, filter thickness, dosemeter materials and detector/filter geometry. Improvements in the energy and angular response of dosemeters for the measurement of doses from beta and low energy photon radiation can be achieved essentially through two different approaches: either by using thin detectors or multi-element dosemeters. Their relative merits are discussed.