Development of ring radiation dosemeters using 3D printing

Area of Science:

• Medical Physics
• Radiation Protection
• Materials Science

Background:

• Extremity radiation monitoring is crucial for assessing occupational radiation exposure in various workplaces.
• Current methods using thermoluminescent detectors (TLDs) have limitations in accuracy and ergonomics.
• There is a need for improved, customizable, and user-friendly extremity dosemeters.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the feasibility of using 3D printing to develop customizable ring dosemeters.
• To evaluate the performance characteristics of 3D-printed ring dosemeters.
• To compare the new dosemeters with existing technologies and standards.

Main Methods:

• Development of customizable ring dosemeters using two types of 3D-printable resins (hard and flexible).
• Integration of Beryllium Oxide (BeO) optically stimulated dosemeters within the 3D-printed rings.
• Testing of energy and angular response across a specified range (24-662 keV, 0°-60°).
• Sterilization compatibility assessment using various techniques.

Main Results:

• The 3D-printed ring dosemeters demonstrated energy and angular responses within ±20% for the tested ranges.
• Performance met the criteria outlined in the IEC 62387 Standard.
• The new dosemeters showed reduced measurement uncertainty compared to traditional TLDs.
• Improved ergonomic design was noted compared to commercial ring dosemeters.

Conclusions:

• 3D printing is a feasible technology for creating customizable and effective extremity ring dosemeters.
• The developed dosemeters offer enhanced accuracy, reduced uncertainty, and better ergonomics for occupational radiation monitoring.
• This innovation contributes to improved radiation protection practices in workplaces utilizing ionizing radiation.