An investigation into a new re-useable 3D radiochromic dosimetry material, Presage

PURPOSE: To investigate the dosimetric properties of a new Presage formulation which exhibits a reversible color change on exposure to radiation. Presage(REU) offers the intriguing possibility of the first re-useable 3D dosimetry material. METHOD AND MATERIALS: Small volumes of Presage(REU) in 1×1×5cm optical cuvettes were irradiated and re-irradiated under a variety of conditions and times to investigate a range of properties including re-usability, dose-rate dependence, dose sensitivity, temporal response, energy sensitivity, and temperature dependence. RESULTS: The radiation induced change in optical density (OD) was found to be linear with dose after initial and subsequent irradiations. After the first irradiation OD was observed to clear in ~2 weeks when stored at room temperature. 3 subsequent irradiations of the same cuvettes showed a very similar strong OD response, although there was a significant increase between this response and that achieve at initial irradiation. CONCLUSION: The Presage(REU) formulation shows strong potential as the first re-useable 3D dosimetry material. When dosimeters are stored at room temperature (~22°C) clearing can occur in 2-3 weeks.