An infrared stimulable phosphor dosimeter with time lapse indication

A novel procedure for radiation dosimetry that indicates both the magnitude of the dose and the time elapsed since exposure is described herein. It was tested using an ir stimulable ZnS phosphor to record gamma doses in the range 10(-4) R to 10(4) R. When the phosphor is exposed to two successive ir bands, the dose and time information are separated and retrieved by means of the two stimulated luminescence peaks. Time lapse indicating dosimetry is applicable to particle radiation, as well as electromagnetic radiation. Readout can be performed by other means than ir, and energy detected in other forms than luminescence. The method should prove useful in tracing the causes of large accidental dose exposures of personnel.