Colorimetric radiation dosimetry

#The present invention generally relates to dosimetry, and more particularly to devices, systems and methods for colorimetric dosimetry readings.

#Exposure to radiation has become more commonplace over time due to emerging security and telecommunication technologies. Background radiation, medical radiation, security radiation, etc. all contribute to the overall radiation exposure. Radiation dose is often monitored in highly sensitive areas or where radiation applications are apparent. However, the amount of radiation exposure is not readily available in many situations.

#In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a dosimetry device includes a first chamber formed on a substrate with a first decomposable barrier sensitive to radiation and a first chemical component. A second chamber is formed on the substrate in proximity of the first chamber and includes a second decomposable barrier sensitive to radiation and a second chemical component. Upon a radiation event, decomposition of the first and second barriers of the first and second chambers permits a mixing of the first and second chemical components to cause a visible change of the dosimetry device.

#The following description will provide details of preferred embodiments with reference to the following figures wherein:

#FIG. 1 is a top view showing a dosimetry device having two chambers formed as pipes and including materials that are combinable to generate a new color when a barrier about the two chambers decomposes due to radiation exposure in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

#FIG. 2 is a chemical equation showing a decomposition of a polymer barrier due to radiation in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

#In accordance with aspects of the present invention, systems, devices and methods are provided to determine a dose of radiation. In some embodiments, the radiation dose can be determined for homeland security, health monitoring or any other suitable application.

#In one embodiment, methods and structures provide easy to read colorimetric dosimetry in the form of a test paper or test device. After a certain dose of radiation, the test paper or device changes color, and the dose of radiation can be determined through visual inspection of a color difference. In useful embodiments, the test paper can include layers of a radiation sensitive polymer or polymers. Upon irradiation, ionization induces depolymerization of a matrix polymer. In one embodiment, radiation sensitive polymer matrices can include, e.g., at least two additional materials (e.g., water solutions of K4Fe(CN)6 and FeCl3) that are separately sealed, for example, in polymer chambers (e.g., pipes or cells)). Under radiation, due to the depolymerization of the matrix, the seals are broken to release colors from the cells, e.g., K4Fe(CN)6 (yellow in color) can react with FeCl3 to form a strong blue colored Fe4[Fe(CN)6]3. By reading the color change, the radiation dose can then be determined.

#It is to be understood that aspects of the present invention will be described in terms of a given illustrative structure; however, other architectures, structures, substrate materials and process features and steps can be varied within the scope of aspects of the present invention.