Definition
Dosimetry is best defined as “the theory and application of principles and techniques associated with the measurement of ionizing radiation” [1].
Introduction
The term “dosimetry” can be best explained by assuming it was derived from combining two words: “dose” and “measurement.” The word dose is shorthand for several quantities associated with the profession of health physics (i.e., radiation protection and safety). The terms include the “absorbed dose,” which is a measure of the energy deposited per unit mass of material, and the “equivalent dose,” which includes consideration of the biological effects of different radiations, when the same absorbed dose is delivered to matter. The term “equivalent dose” is now used instead of the older term “dose equivalent” to signify changes in the ICRP-recommended radiation and tissue weighting factors. There are many other “dose terms” used in health physics, but these will not be included here because the fundamental quantity...
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Abbreviations
- Absorbed dose:
-
The amount of energy deposited by ionizing radiation per unit mass of the material. Usually expressed in the special radiologic unit rad or in the SI unit the gray (Gy). One Gy equals 1 J/kg or 100 rad.
- Dosimeter:
-
Any device worn or carried by an individual to establish total exposure, absorbed dose, or equivalent (or the rates) in the area or to the individual worker while occupying the area.
- Equivalent dose:
-
(Formerly the dose equivalent) The product of the absorbed dose and the radiation-weighting factor (formerly the quality factor) for the type of radiation for which the absorbed dose is measured or calculated. The equivalent dose is used to express the effects of radiation-absorbed dose from many types of ionizing radiation on a common scale. The special radiologic unit is the rem or in the SI unit the sievert (Sv). One Sv is equal to 100 rem.
- Exposure:
-
A quantity defined as the charge produced in air by photons interacting in a volume of air of known mass. An old quantity that is generally no longer used. Also, a general term used to indicate any situation in which an individual is being irradiated.
- Ionization:
-
The process of removing one or more electrons from an atom or a molecule. The positively charged atom and the negatively charged electron are called an ion pair.
- Isotope:
-
One of two or more atoms with the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons in their nuclei. Isotopes of the same chemical element have the same chemical properties but have, usually, very different nuclear properties.
- Nuclide:
-
A general term to indicate an atomic nucleus characterized by its atomic number (number of protons), number of neutrons, atomic mass, and energy state.
- Radiation:
-
Used in this section to mean ionizing radiation. That is, particles or electromagnetic radiation emitted from the nucleus with sufficient energy to cause ionization of atoms and molecules composing the material with which the radiation is interacting.
- Radioisotope:
-
An isotope of a chemical element that is unstable and transforms (decays) by emission of nuclear particles and electromagnetic radiation to reach a more stable state.
- Radionuclide:
-
Another name used for a radioisotope. A radioactive nuclide.
Bibliography
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Knoll GF (2000) Radiation detection and measurements, 3rd edn. Wiley, New York
Eichholz GG, Poston JW (1979) Principles of nuclear radiation detection. Ann Arbor Science Publishers, Ann Arbor
Tsoulfanidis N (1995) Measurement & detection of radiation, 2nd edn. Taylor & Francis, Washington, DC
Kase KR, Bjarngard BE, Attix FH (eds) (1985) The dosimetry of ionizing radiation, vol I–III. Academic, New York
Boetter-Jensen L, McKeever SWS, Wintle AG (2000) Optically stimulated luminescence dosimetry. Elsevier, Maryland Heights
R. S. Landauer, Inc (2010) http://www.osldosimetry.com/luxel/. Accessed 9 May 2010
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Poston, J.W. (2016). Dosimetry. In: Meyers, R. (eds) Encyclopedia of Sustainability Science and Technology. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-2493-6_16-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-2493-6_16-3
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