Measuring system comprising a sensor and a reading device for reading the sensor and a method for determining a measuring dose

Abstract

Measuring system comprising a sensor (110) and a readout device for reading the sensor (110), wherein the sensor (110) comprises: an organic material, wherein the organic material has a radiation dose-dependent light emission characteristic such that a characteristic light emission is generated by the organic material as soon as the organic material has accumulated a total radiation dose that is greater than a characteristic limit radiation dose (172), wherein the organic material of the sensor (110) has an accumulated measuring dose, and wherein the sensor (110) is arranged such that a difference between the characteristic limit radiation dose (172) and the accumulated measurement dose represents the accumulated measurement dose, the readout device comprising: an additional radiation source (210) which irradiates the sensor (110) with an additional dose, wherein the additional dose triggers the characteristic light emission of the organic material of the sensor (110) when a total dose from the accumulated measurement dose and the additional dose reaches the characteristic limit radiation dose (172), and wherein the additional dose represents a dose from the measurement dose accumulated on the sensor (110) until the characteristic limit radiation dose (172) is reached; and an output device which outputs the value representing the additional dose.

Description

[0001] Various embodiments relate to a measuring system comprising a sensor and a readout device for reading the sensor and a method for determining a measuring dose.

[0002] In general, measuring the dose of electromagnetic radiation of various wavelengths can be important in industry and research. Modern technologies, for example in medicine, the environment, life sciences, disinfection, and production, can use ultraviolet (UV) radiation in addition to infrared and visible light. Measurement technology that can determine radiometric parameters can form the foundation for any application of modern technologies. Precise quantification can enable the documentation and optimization of technical processes. For example, small, electronics-free measuring strips can be used to determine radiometric parameters.The gage strips can be advantageous over other measurement systems due to specific spatial challenges, such as limitations caused by insufficient space and / or complex three-dimensional structures. The gage strips can be easily used in a wide variety of geometries and systems, for example, to quickly and spatially measure various parameters of electromagnetic radiation.

[0003] The measuring strips can, for example, have a sensor surface with a phosphorescent material. If, for example, the applied radiation exceeds a threshold value at a specific point on the sensor surface, the phosphorescence can be activated. The threshold value can be set via the material parameters of the sensor. This enables threshold measurements, for example, because the phosphorescence of an irradiated area is only activated when irradiated with a threshold value, also known as the minimum value. The measurement of absolute dose values ​​can be made possible, for example, by creating a gradient of the threshold value in the sensor or by covering the sensor with a gradual neutral density filter. A digital readout of the determined dose value is then possible, for example, using a sensor array or a movable strip-detector arrangement.For example, one- or multi-dimensional measuring strips can also be read out.

[0004] The measuring strips can contain a radiation-sensitive dye. This dye can reduce the transmittance of the strip with increasing irradiation. The measuring strip can therefore gradually change color under UV irradiation. A UV radiation measurement can thus be carried out directly on a relevant object, for example. Using an additional measuring device, the color change or a color difference can be determined. This allows, for example, a quantitative determination of the UV radiation or a radiation dose to be determined.

[0005] The use or manufacture of conventional measuring strips, such as those described above, can be inefficient or problematic. Firstly, setting (or manufacturing) the threshold gradient within the measuring strip may be very complex. For example, simply determining a discrete dose value may not be sufficient. Secondly, a complex reading device may be required to read the measured value. For example, the measuring device must be able to resolve the measuring strip at least one-dimensionally. In addition, illumination may be required to read the measuring strip, which can lead to a falsified measured value.

[0006] For concepts and systems that utilize color changes to determine radiation parameters, determining absolute irradiance values ​​can be difficult. For example, the determination can be affected by weak color contrasts, environmental influences, storage conditions, and / or interference. For example, the measuring strips used in these concepts and systems may not be reusable.

[0007] WO 2020 / 039090 A2 describes a method for activating and deactivating the phosphorescence of a structure. US Pat. No. 4,507,562 A describes a method for rapidly exciting luminescent phosphors with laser beams.

[0008] US Patent No. 4,507,562 describes a laser reader for inorganic thermoluminescence dosimeters (TLDs). A laser selectively heats a phosphor material, releasing stored radiant energy, and the device displays the resulting dose. An additional dose irradiation or an organic sensor material that can only be activated when a threshold dose is exceeded is not described.

[0009] The patent US 2020 / 0230273 A1 describes a UV measuring system with an integrated UV lamp, which is suitable for applying a predetermined additional UV dose to an object, measuring the additional dose and displaying it.

[0010] According to various aspects, a sensor device and a method are provided which can enable a determination of an absolute value of a radiation intensity, and / or an irradiance, and / or a specific radiation, and / or a radiation energy, and / or an irradiation by means of a readout device.

[0011] According to various aspects, a measuring strip is provided which can be reused.

[0012] According to various aspects, a measuring strip is provided which may have increased robustness against environmental influences, and / or interference radiation, and / or storage conditions.

[0013] According to various aspects, a readout method or a readout device is provided which can have a simple and robust readout technique.

[0014] According to one example, a sensor for determining a radiation dose is provided, the sensor comprising: an organic material, wherein the organic material has a radiation dose-dependent light emission characteristic such that a characteristic light emission is generated by the organic material as soon as the organic material has accumulated a radiation dose that is greater than a characteristic limit radiation dose, wherein the sensor is further configured such that a difference between the characteristic limit radiation dose and a radiation dose accumulated in the material represents a radiation dose to be determined.

[0015] According to one example, a sensor device for determining a radiation dose is provided, the sensor device comprising a first sensor according to any one of examples 1 to 5, and a second sensor according to any one of examples 1 to 5.

[0016] According to various aspects, a measuring system comprising a sensor and a readout device for reading the sensor is provided, wherein the sensor comprises: an organic material, wherein the organic material has a radiation dose-dependent light emission characteristic such that a characteristic light emission is generated by the organic material as soon as the organic material has accumulated a total radiation dose that is greater than a characteristic limit radiation dose, wherein the organic material of the sensor has an accumulated measurement dose, and wherein the sensor is configured such that a difference between the characteristic limit radiation dose and the accumulated measurement dose represents the accumulated measurement dose, and the readout device comprising: an additional radiation source which irradiates the sensor with an additional dose,wherein the additional dose triggers the characteristic light emission of the organic material of the sensor when a total dose from the accumulated measurement dose and the additional dose reaches the characteristic limit radiation dose; and wherein the additional dose represents a dose from the measurement dose accumulated on the sensor until the characteristic limit radiation dose is reached, an output device which outputs the value representing the additional dose.

[0017] According to various aspects, a method for determining a measurement dose accumulated in an organic material of a sensor is provided, the sensor comprising: an organic material, the organic material having a radiation dose-dependent light emission characteristic such that a characteristic light emission is generated by the organic material as soon as the organic material has accumulated a total radiation dose that is greater than a characteristic limit radiation dose, the sensor being configured such that a difference between the characteristic limit radiation dose and the accumulated measurement dose represents the accumulated measurement dose, the method comprising: applying an additional dose until the organic material of the sensor generates the characteristic light emission, and outputting a value representing the additional dose that represents the accumulated measurement dose of the sensor.

[0018] Thus, in various embodiments, a method is clearly provided that allows the determination of absolute radiometric values ​​of incident radiation. For example, an absolute value of a radiant intensity, an irradiance, a specific radiance, a radiation energy, an irradiation, and / or the measured dose can be determined. For example, the radiometric values ​​can be determined using a determined radiation dose.

[0019] In various embodiments, a method and a sensor are provided that allow a radiation dose (a so-called measurement dose) to be determined that lies below a characteristic limit dose. Clearly, a method and a sensor are thus provided that enable the measurement of a dose range. For example, the dose range can be the entire area below the characteristic limit dose. For example, the measurement dose can be determined as a continuous value within the dose range. Clearly, with regard to a predefined measurement area, a higher measurement resolution can be achieved because the measurement described herein is continuous in the area below the limit dose, whereas conventional measuring strips usually only offer a very coarse, discrete measurement division. This eliminates the need to generate a gradient or provide multiple sensors to determine an unknown dose.This can also simplify the production of such sensors.

[0020] Furthermore, the measured dose can be determined using a much simpler readout technique compared to conventional systems. In contrast to complex readout systems that may be required with conventional methods (e.g., in the form of one- or multi-dimensional sensor arrays for reading the measuring strips), a single photodiode, e.g., a point-shaped photodiode, can be used as a readout detector.

[0021] Furthermore, in various embodiments, a simple and robust readout method is provided in which the additional dose can be applied, for example, with a simple light-emitting diode (LED, e.g., a UV LED).

[0022] Embodiments are shown in the figures and are explained in more detail below.

[0023] It shows Fig. 1A a phosphorescence dose diagram with a radiation dose-dependent light emission characteristic of an organic material; Fig. 1B and Fig. 1C each shows a schematic view of a sensor device; Fig. 2A-2C each show a schematic view of a sensor device comprising a reduction unit; Fig. 3A-4B Measurement arrangements before and after reaching a characteristic limit radiation dose; Fig. 5 an application example of a sensor device; Fig. 6 a schematic diagram of the phosphorescence of a sensor; and Fig. 7 shows a schematic method for determining a radiation dose.

[0024] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. Since components of embodiments may be positioned in a number of different orientations, the directional terminology is for the purpose of illustration and is in no way limiting. It is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is to be understood that the features of the various exemplary embodiments described herein may be combined with one another unless specifically stated otherwise.The following description is therefore not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

[0025] In the following, various properties of components can be compared with each other. If identical properties of different components are to be compared, this should generally be understood to mean that this property is determined for each component under the same measurement conditions (e.g., the same temperature, the same pressure, the same humidity, the same ambient lighting, etc.).

[0026] According to various aspects, a sensor device for detecting electromagnetic radiation is provided. According to various aspects, sensors can be configured to interact with electromagnetic radiation, for example, to detect the electromagnetic radiation. According to various aspects, materials described herein can exhibit light emission. Light emission here can be understood as the emission of electromagnetic radiation. A characteristic light emission is a light emission specific to a material, which can be determined with reference to Fig. 1A is explained in more detail.

[0027] According to various aspects, the electromagnetic radiation described herein, which may be referred to as radiation for short, may have different wavelength ranges. For example, the electromagnetic radiation may include or be ionizing radiation (e.g., X-rays or gamma radiation), and / or ultraviolet radiation (UV radiation), and / or extreme UV radiation (EUV), and / or visible light, and / or infrared radiation (IR radiation). For example, the ionizing radiation may have one or more wavelengths in a range from 10 pm to 10 nm. For example, the ionizing radiation may have one or more energies in a range from 100 eV to 100 keV.For example, UV radiation may comprise one or more of the following ranges in whole or in part: EUV radiation from 10 nm to 100 nm, UVC radiation from 100 nm to 280 nm, and / or UVB radiation from 280 nm to 315 nm, and / or UVA-II radiation from 315 nm to 340 nm, and / or UVA-I radiation from 340 nm to 400 nm. For example, visible light may comprise one or more of the following ranges in whole or in part: violet from 380 nm to 420 nm, and / or blue from 420 nm to 490 nm, and / or green from 490 nm to 575 nm, and / or yellow from 575 nm to 585 nm, and / or orange from 585 nm to 650 nm, and / or red from 650 nm to 780 nm. For example, IR radiation may comprise one or more of the following ranges in whole or in part: IR-A radiation from 780 nm to 1400 nm, and / or IR-B radiation from 1400 nm to 3000 nm, and / or IR-C radiation from 3000 nm to 1 mm.

[0028] It is understood that the electromagnetic radiation can have one or more wavelengths. The respective wavelengths can be selected from one or more ranges of the ranges described above. A selection of one or more wavelengths can be referred to as a light spectrum, wavelength spectrum or, for short, as a spectrum. A light source can, for example, have an emission spectrum (a so-called characteristic emission spectrum), i.e. the light source can emit radiation with one or more specific or known wavelengths. A sensor can, for example, have a detection spectrum (a so-called characteristic detection spectrum), i.e. the sensor can detect radiation with one or more specific wavelengths better than radiation with one or more specific other wavelengths. A detector can, for example, have a characteristic detection spectrum.

[0029] According to various aspects, the electromagnetic radiation can have a radiation intensity, which can also be referred to as intensity for short below. A surface power density of the electromagnetic radiation can be referred to as intensity. For example, a first intensity of radiation can be lower than a second intensity of the same radiation (i.e. with the same spectrum). For example, in the case of visible light, the second intensity can produce a brighter visual impression than the first intensity. For example, the second intensity can deposit more energy in a medium than the first intensity (e.g. at the same time and at the same wavelength).

[0030] According to various aspects, a sensor device is provided that can be used to measure a radiation dose of electromagnetic radiation. According to various aspects, the sensor device may comprise a sensor. According to various aspects, the sensor may comprise an organic material. The organic material can be, for example, PhenDPA (suitable e.g. for radiation in a wavelength range of 250 nm to 420 nm), PhenTPA (suitable e.g. for radiation in a wavelength range of 250 nm to 420 nm), Tetra-N-phenylbenzidine (suitable e.g. for radiation in a wavelength range of 250 nm to 390 nm), N,N'-di(1-naphthyl)-N,N'-diphenyl-(1,1'-biphenyl)-4,4'-diamine (suitable e.g. for radiation in a wavelength range of 250 nm to 400 nm), Thianthrene (suitable e.g. for radiation in a wavelength range of 250 nm to 350 nm), Benzophenone-Thianthrene (suitable e.g.for radiation in a wavelength range of 220 nm to 400 nm), Bromo-Benzophenone-Thianthrene (suitable e.g. for radiation in a wavelength range of 220 nm to 400 nm), Benzophenone-2-Thianthrene (suitable e.g. for ionizing radiation (e.g. X-rays or gamma radiation), and / or suitable e.g. for radiation in a wavelength range of 200 nm to 400 nm), Diphenylsulfone-Thianthrene, Diphenylsulfone-2-Thianthrene, Bromo-Diphenylsulfone-Thianthrene, Platinum Octaethylporphyrin (suitable e.g. for radiation in a wavelength range of 300 nm to 550 nm), 2-Hydroxycarbazole (suitable e.g. for radiation in a wavelength range of 250 nm to 300 nm), Difluoroboron-9-hydroxyphenalenone (suitable e.g. for radiation in a wavelength range of 300 nm to 470 nm) and / or difluoroboron-6-hydroxybenz[de]anthracene-7-one (suitable e.g. for radiation in a wavelength range of 300 to 470 nm).

[0031] The organic material can be selected, for example, from the group of the following compounds:

[0032] For example, R1, R2, and R3 can be identical or different from one another. For example, R1 can be a substituted or unsubstituted aryl, a substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, or hydrogen. For example, R2 can be a substituted or unsubstituted aryl, a substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, or hydrogen. For example, R3 can be a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, or hydrogen, or a nitro group. For example, R3 can be selected from the group consisting of H, OR4, or NO2. For example, R4 can be H or a (C1-C8)alkyl. For example, R5 can be either H, a halogen, or a thianthrene.For example, X can be X-ray or N. For example, Y1, Y2, Y3, and Y4 can each be independently selected from C or N, where either two or four of Y1, Y2, Y3, and Y4 can be N. Z1 and Z2 can be independently selected. Z1 can be either an enol or sulfoxide. Z2 can be absent or a heteroatom or selected from the group consisting of -NR4. Z3 can be selected from the group consisting of -NR4 or -CR4R4.

[0033] The organic material may be sensitive to one or more ranges of electromagnetic radiation. The organic material may interact more strongly with one or more wavelengths than with one or more other wavelengths. For example, an organic material may have a characteristic detection spectrum. The one or more ranges may be contiguous or separate. The one or more ranges may have one or more wavelengths that can be selected from the UV radiation range, and / or the visible light range, and / or the IR radiation range.

[0034] The organic material can be configured to interact with the electromagnetic radiation. Through the interaction, a radiation dose can be introduced or deposited in the organic material. The radiation dose can be standardized to an irradiated area. An irradiated area can, for example, be an area that has been irradiated with more than 10% of a maximum dose, e.g. with more than 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 97.5%, or with more than 99% of the maximum dose. The radiation dose can also be referred to below as the dose for short. The dose can be accumulated by the organic material. For example, the accumulated dose can be stored in the organic material over a longer period of time, e.g. more than 1 hour, more than 2 hours, more than 12 hours or more than 1 day.

[0035] According to various aspects, the organic material can be configured to luminesce, for example to phosphoresce. The organic material can have a threshold dose, which can also be referred to as a characteristic limit dose. For example, the organic material can have a characteristic light emission when the accumulated dose is equal to the characteristic limit dose. The organic material can have a radiation-dependent, e.g., radiation dose-dependent, light emission characteristic. For example, a characteristic light emission can be generated by the organic material as soon as the organic material has accumulated a dose equal to the characteristic limit dose. An increase in the light emission, for example, in the intensity of the emitted electromagnetic radiation, can be referred to as a characteristic light emission.For the sake of brevity, the characteristic limit dose of an organic material of a sensor can also be referred to below as the characteristic limit dose of the sensor device or sensor.

[0036] Fig. 1A shows a phosphorescence dose diagram. On a horizontal axis 142, an accumulated dose of an organic material from a sensor 110 is shown. On the vertical axis 141, an intensity of a light emission is shown. The intensity can be related to a specific wavelength. The intensity can be related to multiple wavelengths, e.g., an average value of the multiple wavelengths or a sum of intensities of the multiple wavelengths. A curve of an intensity 131 of the light emission as a function of an accumulated dose can also be referred to as a light emission characteristic. By increasing the accumulated dose of the organic material, the light emission of the organic material can be increased. For example, the light emission can be phosphorescence. For example, the light emission can be a characteristic light emission.

[0037] In a first dose range 151, the intensity 131 of the light emission may be less than or equal to a first intensity 161. In the first dose range, a dose accumulated by the organic material may be less than a lower dose limit 171. In a third dose range 153, the intensity 131 of the light emission may be equal to or greater than a second intensity 162. In the third dose range, a dose accumulated by the organic material may be greater than an upper dose limit 173. For example, the second intensity 162 may be greater than the first intensity 161 by more than a factor of 1.2 (e.g., 2, 5, 10, 15, or by more than a factor of 15). For example, the intensity 131 of the light emission in the third dose range may reach substantially maximum intensity. For example, a substantially maximum intensity may be an intensity of more than 95% of a maximum achievable intensity, e.g.,more than 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or more than 99.9% of the maximum achievable intensity. For example, an essentially maximum intensity may increase or decrease only slightly (e.g., by less than 5%) if the accumulated dose is increased by more than 10% (e.g., more than 15%, 20%, or 25%).

[0038] In a second dose range 152, which may also be referred to as a threshold range, the intensity 131 of the light emission may increase from the first intensity 161 to the second intensity 162. The characteristic threshold dose 172, at which the characteristic light emission may be triggered, may lie within the second dose range.

[0039] For example, the characteristic dose limit 172 can be determined based on the second intensity or a maximum intensity 131 of the light emission. For example, the characteristic dose limit 172 can be a dose at which the intensity 131 of the light emission reaches a certain proportion of the second and / or a maximum intensity. For example, the characteristic dose limit 172 can be determined based on an inflection point of the intensity 131 of the light emission. For example, the characteristic dose limit 172 can be a dose at which the increase in the intensity 131 of the light emission is maximum. For example, the characteristic dose limit 172 can be determined based on a difference between the lower dose limit 171 and the upper dose limit 173. For example, the characteristic dose limit 172 can be an average of the upper dose limit 173 and the lower dose limit 171, e.g.an arithmetic mean, a geometric mean, a harmonic mean, a median, or a weighted mean. For example, the characteristic dose limit 172 may be equal to the upper dose limit 173 and / or lower dose limit 171. For example, the second dose range 152 may only have the characteristic dose limit 171.

[0040] The characteristic light emission can be referred to as the increase in the intensity 131 of the light emission in the second dose range from the first intensity 161 to the second intensity 162. For example, the characteristic light emission can be a sudden increase from the first intensity 161 to the second intensity 162. For example, the characteristic light emission can be a greater increase in the intensity 131 of the light emission than the increase in the intensity 131 of the light emission in the first or third range, e.g., by more than a factor of 2, 5, 10, or 20.

[0041] Light emission in the third region can be referred to as phosphorescence. An organic material with a light emission characteristic such as in Fig. 1A can be described as phosphorescent organic material.

[0042] According to various aspects, a sensor device for measuring a dose of electromagnetic radiation can comprise a measuring strip. For example, only one sensor can be arranged on a measuring strip. If appropriate, multiple sensors could also be arranged on a measuring strip, for example, for redundant measurements, or, by appropriately covering the sensors during irradiation, for multiple successive measurements.

[0043] Fig. 1B shows a sensor device 100 with a sensor 110. The sensor 110 may comprise an organic material that can interact with electromagnetic radiation.

[0044] According to various aspects, a sensor device 100 may include one or more sensors 110. For example, one or more sensors 110 may be arranged on a measuring strip.

[0045] Fig. 1C shows a sensor device 100 with a plurality of sensors 110. For example, the plurality of sensors 110 can be arranged on a measuring strip. For example, the plurality of sensors 110 can have a first sensor 110 and a second sensor 110. The first sensor 110 and the second sensor 110 can have the same organic material. For example, the first sensor 110 and the second sensor can be suitable for the same radiation ranges. For example, the first and the second sensors can have the same detection spectrum. For example, the first sensor can be a measuring sensor and the second sensor a reference sensor for the measuring sensor. The first sensor 110 and the second sensor 110 can have a different organic material. For example, the first sensor and the second sensor can be suitable for different radiation ranges.For example, the first and second sensors may each have a different detection spectrum.

[0046] The sensor 110 can be covered with a reduction unit 120. For example, the sensor 110 can be adapted to a measurement environment by means of a reduction unit 120.

[0047] Fig. 2A shows a sensor device 100 with multiple sensors 110. The sensor device 100 may include a reduction unit 120. For example, a sensor 110 may be covered by the reduction unit 120. A covered sensor 110 is represented by a dashed line in the figures.

[0048] The reduction unit 120 can be configured to completely shield and / or reduce the intensity of radiation with one or more specific wavelengths of the electromagnetic radiation incident on the sensor 110. The reduction unit 120 can be configured to filter the incident electromagnetic radiation. The reduction unit 120 can be configured to reduce the intensity of the incident electromagnetic radiation. For example, the reduction unit 120 can protect the sensor 110 from background radiation. For example, the reduction unit 120 can protect the sensor 110 from an intensity of the incident radiation. For example, the reduction unit 120 can protect the sensor 110 from an intensity of the incident radiation (e.g., an intensity by means of which the characteristic dose limit 172 can be exceeded).For example, the reduction unit 120 may provide a predetermined wavelength spectrum for the sensor 110.

[0049] Fig. 2B shows a sensor device 100 with a reduction unit 120. The reduction unit 120 can, for example, be configured to reduce the intensity of incident radiation onto a sensor 110. For example, the reduction unit 120 can reduce the intensity of the incident radiation by more than 10% (e.g., by more than 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or by more than 99%). For example, the reduction unit 120 can reduce the incident intensity by 100%. For example, the reduction unit 120 can be used to use the sensor 110 it obscures as a reference sensor.

[0050] Fig. Figure 2C shows a sensor device 100 with a reduction unit 120. The reduction unit 120 can be configured to reduce the intensity of incident radiation depending on the wavelength. Such a reduction unit 120 can be referred to as a wavelength filter.

[0051] For example, an incident radiation can have at least a first partial radiation with a first wavelength and a second partial radiation with a second wavelength, wherein the second wavelength is not the same as the first wavelength. The reduction unit 120 can be configured to reduce the first partial radiation with the first wavelength (e.g. by more than 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or by more than 99% or by 100%). The sensor 110 can thus be at least partially or completely shielded from the first partial radiation by the reduction unit 120. For example, the reduction unit 120 can further be configured not to reduce the second partial radiation with the second wavelength or to reduce it by a different factor than the first partial radiation. For example, a wavelength sensitivity of the organic material can thus be compensated.For example, the sensor 110 can thus also be protected from disruptive influences, such as ambient radiation, scattered radiation, during measurement or during storage.

[0052] It is understood that the first wavelength or the second wavelength can be a plurality of first or a plurality of second wavelengths. For example, the plurality of first and / or a plurality of second wavelengths can be a selection of wavelengths. It is understood that a plurality of sensors 110 of a sensor device 100 can be covered with a reduction unit 120. For example, a first sensor 110 can be covered with a first reduction unit 120 and a second sensor 110 with a second reduction unit 120. For example, the first reduction unit 120 and the second reduction unit 120 can be different from one another. For example, the first and second reduction units 120 can be the same.

[0053] The sensors 110 can be configured to determine a measurement dose, wherein a threshold value of the dose or a characteristic limit dose 172 lies above the expected irradiation dose. The sensors 110 can comprise a phosphorescent organic material. Since the measurement dose lies below the characteristic limit dose 172, phosphorescence may not yet be activated in the organic material. The measuring strip can be referred to as pre-activated by the incident radiation. The sensors 110 can be configured to accumulate a dose that lies below the characteristic limit dose 172. The determination of the accumulated dose, the so-called measurement dose, by means of a readout device can be referred to as readout. To determine the measurement dose, the sensors 110 of the sensor device 100 can be irradiated with an additional dose until the characteristic limit dose 172 is reached.This additional dose is referred to below as the additional dose. The measured dose can be determined from the additional dose and the characteristic limit dose 172.

[0054] Fig. 3A shows a readout device for a sensor device 100 with a sensor 110, wherein the readout device has an additional radiation source 210. The additional radiation source 210 can be configured to irradiate the sensor device 100 with radiation 220. The additional radiation source 210 can be configured to irradiate the sensor 110 with radiation 220. The radiation 220 emitted by the additional radiation source 210 can have a known or predetermined wavelength spectrum. The additional radiation source 210 can be, for example, a light-emitting diode (LED, e.g., a UV LED), a laser, or a gas discharge lamp (e.g., a mercury vapor lamp). The readout device can be configured such that the sensor 110 is irradiated by the additional radiation source 210 until a total dose (ieThe dose accumulated on the sensor (consisting of the measured dose and the additional dose) reaches a characteristic limit dose 172, and the organic material of the sensor 110 generates the characteristic light emission. The light emission of the organic material can be detected, for example, by means of a detector 310.

[0055] The additional dose can be output by the readout device. The measurement dose can be calculated, for example, as a difference between the characteristic limit dose 172 and the additional dose. For example, the difference can be corrected using a correction factor or correction term. The correction factor or correction term can depend on a wavelength spectrum of the measurement environment and / or the additional radiation source. For example, the wavelength-dependent sensitivity of the sensor 110 can be offset against the wavelength spectrum of the measurement environment and / or the additional radiation source and included in the calculation of the correction factor. The correction factor or correction term can depend on the age of the sensor 110 and / or the number of measurements in which the sensor has already been used. For example, the correction factor or correction term can depend on a reduction unit 120 used.For example, the correction term may correct a reduction in the incident intensity by the reduction unit 120.

[0056] For example, the readout device can be configured so that the characteristic limit dose 172 can be entered and stored. The readout device can have a memory. Limit doses, for example, can be stored and / or stored in the memory. The readout device can be configured to load a characteristic limit dose 172 from the memory. For example, the characteristic limit dose 172 can be automatically selected and loaded using an identification device of a sensor 110. For example, the characteristic limit dose 172 can be manually selected and loaded by a user. For example, the characteristic limit dose 172 can be determined by determining the additional dose of a non-preactivated sensor 110. The readout device can be configured to automatically determine the measurement dose.For example, the measurement dose can be determined based on an entered or loaded characteristic dose limit 172 and the additional dose. For example, the readout device can output the additional dose and / or the measurement dose. It is understood that outputting refers to both visible output (e.g., on a display) and storage on a storage medium.

[0057] The readout device can be configured to perform a serial readout of multiple sensor devices 100 and / or multiple sensors 110 one after the other. For each sensor device 100 and / or each sensor 110, for example, a respective characteristic limit dose 172 can be loaded or input. For each sensor device 100 and / or each sensor 110, a respective measurement dose can be determined and output.

[0058] For example, the readout device can be configured to read data from multiple sensor devices 100. For example, a readout device can be configured to read data from a sensor device 100 that has multiple sensors 110. For example, the multiple sensors 110 of the one sensor device 100 can be read simultaneously. For example, the multiple sensors 110 of the one sensor device 100 can be used to perform reference measurements. It is understood that different sensors 110 from different sensor devices 100 can also be used to perform reference measurements.

[0059] The Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B each show a step of a reference measurement. For the reference measurement, for example, a sensor device 100 with a first sensor 110 and a second sensor 111 can be used. The first sensor 110 and second sensor 111 can be applied to the same measuring strip. As a result, the sensors can, for example, have a similar condition (e.g., age, degradation, number of measurements, same storage or measurement environment, etc.). The first sensor 110 and the second sensor 111 can comprise the same organic material. A first characteristic limit dose 172 of the first sensor 110 and a second characteristic limit dose 172 of the second sensor 111 can be the same. The sensor device 100 can have a reduction unit 120. The second sensor 111 can be covered by the reduction unit 120 during the measurement of a radiation dose to be determined, i.e., the measurement dose.This allows the intensity of the radiation incident on the second sensor 111 to be reduced. A second measurement dose of the second sensor 111 can thus be lower than a first measurement dose of the first sensor 110.

[0060] The reduction unit 120 can reduce the intensity of the radiation to be detected for the sensor 111 by a reduction factor. The reduction factor can be between 0 and 1, or 0% and 100%. For example, the reduction unit 120 can reduce the intensity of the radiation to be detected to zero, i.e., the reduction factor is 1 or 100%. The first measurement dose and the second measurement dose can differ from each other by the reduction factor.

[0061] Fig. 4A shows a first point in time at which the first measurement dose and a first additional dose together reach the characteristic limit dose 172 of the first sensor 110 and the organic material of the first sensor 110 can generate a first characteristic light emission. The first additional dose can be output. Emitted radiation 130 of the first sensor can be detected by a detector 310. For example, the output of the first additional dose can be triggered by the detection of the first characteristic light emission.

[0062] Fig. 4B shows a second point in time at which the second measurement dose and a second additional dose together reach the characteristic limit dose 172 of the second sensor 111 and the organic material of the second sensor 111 can generate a second characteristic light emission. The second additional dose can be output. Emitted radiation 130 of the second sensor can be detected by the detector 310. For example, the output of the second additional dose can be triggered by the detection of the second characteristic light emission.

[0063] The first measured dose can be determined from the second additional dose, the first additional dose, and the reduction factor. The following calculation example describes the determination of the first measured dose using: the reduction factor n (0 <n<=1), der ersten Messdosis x1, der zweiten Messdosis x2, der ersten Zusatzdosis y1, der zweiten Zusatzdosis y2, der ersten charakteristischen Grenzdosis z1 und der zweiten charakteristischen Grenzdosis z2. Die jeweiligen Grenzdosen ergeben sich aus der Summe der jeweiligen Messdosen und der jeweiligen Zusatzdosen: z1=x1+y1 und z2=x2+y2. Die zweite Messdosis x2 kann sich um den Reduzierungsfaktor n von der ersten Messdosis: x2=(1-n)*x1 unterscheiden. Die erste Zusatzdosis y1 kann um eine Differenzdosis y' kleiner sein als die zweite Zusatzdosis y2: y'=y2-y1. Die Grenzdosen z1, z2 des ersten und zweiten Sensors können gleich sein: z1=z2.The first measured dose x1 can then result from the difference dose y' and the reduction factor n: x1 = y' / n.

[0064] For example, if n=1, the differential dose y' can correspond to the first measurement dose. For example, the method described above can be used to determine a reduction factor n of a reduction unit, e.g., if the first measurement dose is known. For example, a wavelength-specific or wavelength-dependent reduction factor n can also be determined by irradiation with one or more predetermined wavelengths.

[0065] It is understood that an adaptation to different emission spectra can also be carried out using a calculation similar to the example calculation shown.

[0066] A sensor device 100 can be configured to be reconditioned. A sensor 110 can be configured to be reconditioned. Reconditioning can be understood as resetting the total dose accumulated on the sensor 110. Reconditioning can be understood as setting the total accumulated dose to zero or to a predetermined, known value. By reconditioning, a sensor 110 that has been used once can be reused. For example, a reconditioned sensor 110 can have a different known characteristic limit dose 172 than a non-reconditioned sensor. For example, the characteristic limit dose 172 can be related to a number of reconditioning cycles performed.

[0067] The sensor device 110 can have an identification device. For example, the sensor device and / or the sensor 110 can be marked. The identification device can be an optical marking, e.g. a barcode, and / or a QR code, and / or a character combination, and / or a color combination, etc. The identification device can be an electronic marking stored on a storage medium, e.g. an RFID code, and / or a digital signature, and / or an NFC identifier, and / or another electronic identification. The identification device can, for example, have a storage medium, e.g. a printing surface for an optical marking and / or an electronically readable storage medium. The identification device of a sensor device 100 can uniquely identify the identification device and / or the sensor 110.The identification device may represent the characteristic dose limit 172 of the sensor 110. For example, the characteristic dose limit 172 may be stored on the storage medium (e.g., printed or stored electronically). For example, the number of measurements and / or the date of manufacture of the sensor 110 may be stored on the storage medium. For example, information about the number of reprocessings of the sensor device 100 and / or the sensor 110 may be stored on the storage medium.

[0068] The reading device can be configured to recognize the identification device. For example, the reading device can be configured to load and / or process the information stored in the identification device. For example, a respective measured value can be stored in a memory of the identification device (e.g., electronically or printed).

[0069] A sensor can have a sensor area. For example, a sensor area can be an area in which the sensor has the organic material. For example, a large-area sensor can be a sensor with a sensor area of ​​more than 1 cm 2 (e.g. more than 2 cm 2 , 5 cm 2 , 10 cm 2 or more than 15 cm 2be). The readout device, for example, can be configured to read out one or more sensors 110 (for example one or more large-area sensors 110) in a spatially resolved manner. For example, a sensor area can consist of several partial areas (e.g., of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more than 10 partial areas). For example, the readout device can be configured to read out a first partial area of ​​the several partial areas of the sensor area. For example, while the first partial area is being read out, at least a second partial area of ​​the several partial areas cannot be read out. For example, the second partial area can be covered. For example, the second partial area can be read out in a subsequent step. For example, reading out a predetermined partial area of ​​the sensor can be referred to as spatially resolved or spatially resolved readout.For example, a photodiode array or a camera can be used as detector 310 for readout.

[0070] In Fig. 5 shows a possible application example of the previously described sensor device 100. A sensor 110 may comprise a phosphorescent organic material. In a first step, the sensor 110 may be provided. The sensor 110 may have a first known accumulated dose, which may be referred to below as zero dose D0. The zero dose D0 may, for example, be determined by another sensor 110 that is not irradiated but was handled (stored, etc.) in a similar way to the sensor. The zero dose D0 may be subtracted later. The zero dose D0 may, for example, have accumulated on the sensor 110 due to storage, environmental influences, a processing process, and / or other reasons. For the sake of clarity, the zero dose D0 is considered to be zero below. It is understood that if the zero dose is greater than zero, the zero dose would have to be taken into account in every step, e.g.as a second known measurement dose. For example, the measurement dose can be determined from the limit dose minus the additional dose and the zero dose D0. Alternatively, the limit dose can be normalized to the zero dose D0. For example, the limit dose normalized to the zero dose D0 can be determined by reading an unirradiated sensor 110.

[0071] In a second step, the sensor 110 can be irradiated by a radiation source 400. For example, the radiation source 400 can be a lamp. For example, the irradiation by the radiation source 400 can take place on a conveyor belt. For example, the radiation source 400 can be used for drying or curing paints, plastics, resins, ceramics, or other materials. For example, the radiation source can also be used for disinfecting surfaces, liquids, packaging, or other objects. For example, the radiation source can also be used in medical and / or cosmetic applications. For example, natural radiation sources such as the sun can also be used. The radiation source 400 can generate an irradiation dose, a so-called measuring dose D Maccumulated on the sensor. The measuring strip can, for example, be selected such that a threshold value for triggering a characteristic light emission, ie a characteristic limit dose 172 of the organic material, is above the expected irradiation dose D M This means that after the actual radiation measurement, ie after the organic material of the sensor 110 has absorbed the dose D M has accumulated, phosphorescence has not yet been activated. However, due to the incident or accumulated radiation, the measuring strip can be described as pre-activated.

[0072] In a third step, which may also be referred to as a readout step, the sensor device 100 together with the sensor 110 may be introduced into a readout device (also referred to as a readout device). The readout device may be configured to illuminate the sensor until the characteristic limit dose 172 is reached. For example, the readout device may illuminate the sensor device and / or the sensor 110 with a known irradiance (e.g., in mW / cm 2 ) until phosphorescence appears. The appearance of phosphorescence can be determined, for example, by detecting a characteristic light emission. For example, the time required for illumination can be used to calculate an additional dcsis ΔD (e.g., in mJ / cm 2 ) required to reach the characteristic limit dose 172. For example, the additional dose ΔD can be a dose required to activate phosphorescence.

[0073] Fig. 6 shows an exemplary light emission characteristic of the sensor 110 of Fig. 5. On the horizontal axis 142 an exposure dose (e.g. in mJ / cm 2 ), ie a dose accumulated by the sensor 110. On the vertical axis 141, a phosphorescence is shown, ie an intensity of the emission of the radiation from the organic material of the sensor 110. In a measuring dose range 161, the first step of Fig. 5: the irradiation with the measuring dose D Mby the radiation source 400. In an additional dose range 162, the irradiation with the additional dose ΔD by the readout device can be represented. Within the additional dose range 162, the dose accumulated on the sensor can reach a lower dose limit 171. When the accumulated dose of the sensor 110 reaches the lower dose limit 171, the intensity 131 of the light emission can increase. If the accumulated dose is further increased, a characteristic light emission can be observed at the characteristic dose limit 172. For example, the organic material of the sensor 110 can begin to phosphorescent when it has accumulated a dose equal to the characteristic dose limit 172. When the organic material of the sensor 110 has accumulated an upper dose limit 173, the intensity of the light emission can be substantially maximum.

[0074] For example, the dose D irradiated in the first measurement step can be calculated using the known dose limit 172 (also called irradiation threshold), which is necessary to activate the phosphorescence of an unused sensor. M The possible measuring range can be limited by the sensor's irradiation threshold. Based on the irradiation dose, other parameters can be calculated, such as radiant intensity, irradiance, specific radiance, and / or radiant energy.

[0075] In Fig.7 describes a method for determining a measured value of radiation to be examined. In the first step, a sensor can be pre-activated with a radiation to be examined (e.g., to be measured) (S110). For example, a dose to be determined can be applied to a sensor. For example, the phosphorescence of an organic material of a sensor can be pre-activated. In the second step, the sensor can be irradiated with a known irradiance until a characteristic limit dose is reached and / or the sensor is fully activated (S120). For example, the sensor can be irradiated until the phosphorescence of the organic material of the sensor is fully activated. For example, the sensor can be irradiated in a readout device. In the third step, the measured value of the radiation to be examined can be calculated (S130). For example, the measured value can be calculated using a difference.For example, the difference between the dose used in the second step and the characteristic limit dose can be calculated. For example, the characteristic limit dose can be the dose required to activate phosphorescence in a fresh test strip.

[0076] Some examples are described below which relate to what is described herein and shown in the figures.

[0077] Example 1 is a sensor for determining a radiation dose. The sensor may comprise: an organic material, wherein the organic material may have a radiation dose-dependent light emission characteristic such that a characteristic light emission can be generated by the organic material as soon as the organic material has accumulated a radiation dose that is greater than a characteristic limit radiation dose. The sensor may further be configured such that a difference between the characteristic limit radiation dose and a radiation dose accumulated in the material may represent a radiation dose to be determined. For example, the radiation dose accumulated in the material may be a measurement dose or a dose to be determined. The dose accumulated in the material may also be referred to as the dose stored by the sensor. For example, the sensor may be arranged on a measuring strip.

[0078] Example 2 is a sensor according to Example 1, wherein the organic material can be configured such that the organic material can emit radiation in an intensity range less than a first intensity when the organic material has accumulated a radiation dose less than the characteristic limit radiation dose, and such that the organic material can emit radiation in an intensity range greater than a second intensity when the organic material has accumulated a radiation dose greater than the characteristic limit radiation dose. For example, the second intensity can be greater than the first intensity. The intensity of the emitted radiation can refer to an intensity of radiation having one or more wavelengths.For example, in the case of radiation with multiple wavelengths, the intensity of the radiation can be a sum or an average of the intensities of one or more selected radiation components, each with a selected wavelength or wavelength range. For example, the intensity can be related to all radiation components.

[0079] Example 3 is a sensor according to Example 2, wherein the characteristic limiting dose can be within a limiting dose range, wherein the limiting dose range can have a lower limiting dose and an upper limiting dose, and wherein the intensity of the radiation emitted by the organic material can increase from a first intensity at a lower limiting dose to a second intensity at an upper limiting dose. The upper limiting dose can be greater than the lower limiting dose. The increase in intensity can be dependent on the total radiation dose accumulated in the organic material of the sensor.

[0080] Example 4 is a sensor according to any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the characteristic light emission can be a multiplication of the emission, for example, the intensity of the emitted radiation. For example, the emission can increase by more than a factor of 1.2 (e.g., by more than a factor of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, or by more than a factor of 15). For example, the characteristic light emission can be an increase (e.g., as a sudden increase) in a light emission characteristic of the organic material.

[0081] Example 5 is a sensor according to any one of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the accumulated radiation dose can be accumulated from one of the following ranges: UV radiation range, and / or visible light range, and / or IR radiation range. For example, the accumulated radiation dose can be accumulated from one or more sub-ranges of the mentioned ranges. For example, the accumulated radiation dose can be accumulated from one or more wavelengths from the mentioned ranges.

[0082] Example 6 is a sensor device comprising a first sensor according to any one of Examples 1 to 5. For example, the sensor device may comprise a second sensor according to any one of Examples 1 to 5. For example, the first and second sensors may be configured according to a different example. For example, the first and second sensors may be configured according to the same example. For example, the first sensor may have a first characteristic limit dose and the second sensor may have a second characteristic limit dose. For example, the first characteristic limit dose may differ from the second characteristic limit dose by more than 10%, e.g., by more than 20%, 50%, 100%, or by more than 200%. For example, the first characteristic limit dose may not differ from the second characteristic limit dose, e.g., by less than 10%, e.g.,by less than 5%, 1%, 0.01%, or by less than 0.01%). For example, the first sensor can be arranged in a first measuring region and the second sensor in a second measuring region. For example, the first sensor can be independent of the second sensor. For example, the first sensor can be functionally coupled to the second sensor, e.g. they can then only be irradiated simultaneously for redundant measuring or for carrying out a differential measurement. For example, the sensor device can have more than two sensors. For example, the sensor device can have 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 25, 100 or more than 100 sensors, wherein each of the sensors can be designed according to one of examples 1 to 5 (e.g. independent of the other sensors).

[0083] In some aspects, several identical sensors can be integrated into the sensor device (illustratively on a measuring strip). These can then exhibit the same irradiation behavior (or measurement behavior) and emission behavior (or readout behavior), etc.

[0084] Example 7 is a sensor device comprising according to Example 6, wherein the sensor device can optionally further comprise a reduction unit. The reduction unit can be configured to reduce an intensity of the radiation incident on the organic material. For example, the reduction unit can reduce the incident intensity by more than 10% (e.g., by more than 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or by more than 99%). For example, the reduction unit can reduce the incident intensity by 100%. For example, the reduction unit can reduce the intensity of a first predetermined selection of one or more wavelengths more than the intensity of a second selection of one or more wavelengths. For example, the second sensor can be covered by the reduction unit. For example, the second sensor can thereby accumulate a reduced radiation dose.

[0085] Example 8 is a sensor device according to example 6 or 7, wherein the sensor device can optionally further comprise an identification device. For example, the identification device can comprise an identifier in the form of an RFID code, NFC code, barcode, a printed character string, a color code, or the like.

[0086] Example 9 is a sensor device according to any one of Examples 6 to 8, wherein the sensor device may comprise a memory. For example, an identifier of the sensor device, the first sensor, and / or the second sensor may be stored in the memory. For example, a characteristic limit dose may be stored in the memory. For example, an age of the sensor device and / or the first sensor and / or the second sensor may be stored in the memory. For example, the identification device may comprise the memory or an additional memory.

[0087] Example 10 is a readout device for reading a sensor device according to any one of Examples 6 to 9, wherein the organic material of a first sensor of the sensor device can have an accumulated dose, a so-called measurement dose. The readout device can comprise: an additional radiation source for irradiating the sensor with an additional dose, wherein the additional dose can represent the measurement dose introduced into the organic material, and an output device for outputting the additional dose.

[0088] Example 11 is a readout device according to Example 10, wherein the additional dose can trigger the characteristic light emission of the organic material of the first and / or second sensor. For example, the characteristic light emission of the organic material of the first and / or second sensor can be triggered when a total dose of the measured dose and the additional dose reaches the characteristic limit dose.

[0089] Example 12 is a readout device according to example 10 or 11, wherein the additional radiation source can emit radiation with a predetermined wavelength spectrum and / or with a predetermined intensity.

[0090] Example 13 is a readout device according to any one of Examples 10 to 12, optionally further comprising a radiation detector for detecting light emissions from the first and / or the second sensor. For example, the radiation detector can be configured to detect the characteristic light emission. For example, the readout device can be configured to terminate the readout of the sensor device as soon as the radiation detector detects the characteristic light emission.

[0091] Example 14 is a readout device according to any one of examples 10 to 13, optionally further configured to determine the measured dose of the first and / or the second sensor or the dose accumulated on the first and / or the second sensor. For example, the readout device can optionally further comprise an input unit for entering a theoretical and / or measured characteristic limit radiation dose. For example, the input unit can be a manual input unit, such as a keyboard, a pressure-sensitive display, a setting wheel, or something similar that is suitable for entering a value. For example, the input unit can be an automated input unit that can automatically detect and enter the theoretical and / or measured characteristic limit radiation dose based on the sensor device, and / or the first sensor, and / or the second sensor.For example, the theoretical and / or measured characteristic limit radiation dose can be detected and / or entered and / or loaded using an identification device of the sensor device.

[0092] Example 15 is a readout device according to any one of examples 10 to 14, wherein the readout device may further comprise a data management unit. The data management unit may be configured to store data and to load data. For example, the data may comprise or be one or more of the following data: one or more theoretical and / or measured characteristic limit radiation doses, and / or one or more identifiers of the sensor, and / or one or more correction variables (predetermined spectra, reduction factors, etc.), and / or one or more predetermined additional doses. For example, a specific additional dose may be assigned to a specific measurement method (e.g., a quality check). For example, a correction variable may be a variable for correcting a wavelength dependence of the sensitivity of the first and / or second sensor.For example, there may be a first wavelength range in which the first and / or the second sensor absorbs (e.g. stores) more dose than in a second wavelength range. The wavelength dependence may relate to the wavelength spectrum of the radiation source to be measured and / or the wavelength spectrum of the additional radiation source. For example, a correction variable may be a variable for correcting an intensity of the additional radiation source. For example, an intensity of the additional radiation source may increase or decrease over time. For example, a correction variable may be a variable for correcting an age of the sensor device, and / or the first sensor, and / or the second sensor. For example, the sensitivity of the first and / or the second sensor may decrease or increase over time.For example, the theoretical and / or measured characteristic limiting radiation dose for a sensor may decrease and / or increase over time.

[0093] Example 16 is a readout device according to any one of examples 10 to 15, wherein the readout device can optionally be further configured to determine the radiation dose accumulated on the first and / or the second sensor or the measurement dose from the additional dose and the theoretical and / or measured characteristic limit radiation dose.

[0094] Example 17 is a readout device according to any one of examples 10 to 15, wherein the readout device can optionally be further configured to determine the measurement dose of the first and / or the second sensor from the additional dose, the theoretical and / or measured characteristic limit radiation dose and one or more correction variables.

[0095] Example 18 is a readout device according to any one of Examples 10 to 17, wherein the readout device can be configured to read out a first measurement dose of the first sensor and a second measurement dose of the second sensor. For example, the readout device can further be configured to output a first additional dose associated with the first measurement dose and a second additional dose associated with the second measurement dose. For example, the first and second additional doses can represent the respective accumulated radiation dose. For example, the first and second sensors can be read out in parallel or at least partially in parallel (e.g., in different chambers). For example, the first and second sensors can be read out serially (i.e., one after the other) (e.g., by covering all sensors except for one sensor to be read out).

[0096] Example 19 is a readout device according to any one of Examples 14 to 17, wherein the readout device may optionally be further configured to determine the first measurement dose of the first sensor from the first additional dose of the first sensor and the second additional dose of the second sensor.

[0097] Example 20 is a readout device according to Example 19, wherein the readout device may optionally be further configured to determine the first measurement dose from the first additional dose, the second additional dose and one or more correction variables.

[0098] Example 21 is a readout device according to any one of Examples 14 to 19, optionally further comprising a determination unit configured to perform the respective determination and / or calculations. For example, the determination unit may comprise a processor. For example, the determination unit may be an electronic computing device.

[0099] Example 22 is a method for determining a radiation dose or measurement dose accumulated in an organic material of a sensor according to any one of Examples 1 to 5. The method may include applying an additional dose until the organic material of the sensor generates the characteristic light emission, and outputting the additional dose, which may represent the measurement dose of the organic material of the sensor.

[0100] Example 23 is a method according to Example 21, optionally further comprising determining the measuring dose of the sensor from a theoretical and / or measured characteristic limit radiation dose and the additional dose.

[0101] Example 24 is a method according to Example 22, optionally further comprising determining the measurement dose of the sensor from a theoretical and / or measured characteristic limit radiation dose, the additional dose and one or more correction variables.

[0102] Example 25 is a method for determining a radiation dose by means of a sensor device according to any one of Examples 6 to 9. For example, a first measurement dose can be accumulated in the first sensor and a second measurement dose can be accumulated in the second sensor. The method can comprise: covering the second sensor during the measurement such that an intensity of the radiation incident on the second sensor (i.e., a radiation to be measured) is reduced by more than 10%, e.g., by more than 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or by more than 99%. For example, the intensity can be reduced by 100%. Illustratively, the second sensor can only accumulate a lower dose than the first sensor during the measurement. The method can further comprise: applying the dose to be determined to the sensor device (i.e.,to the first sensor and the second sensor, which is covered), applying a first additional dose to the first sensor until the organic material of the first sensor generates the characteristic light emission of the first sensor, applying a second additional dose to the second sensor until the organic material of the second sensor generates the characteristic light emission of the second sensor, and determining the radiation dose accumulated on the first sensor using the second additional dose and the first additional dose. For example, the cover of the second sensor can be removed before applying the second additional dose.

[0103] Example 26 is a method for determining irradiation, in which a phosphorescent sensor can be used on a measuring strip. The threshold value of the sensor can be higher than a value of the expected irradiation. This can result in no phosphorescence being activated after the actual radiation measurement. However, the measuring strip can be pre-activated by the incident radiation. In the subsequent readout step, the measuring strip can be placed in a reading device, which can measure it with a known irradiance (e.g., in mW / cm 2 ) is illuminated until phosphorescence appears. The irradiation time (e.g. a dose in mJ / cm 2) that was still required for activation. Using the known irradiation threshold required to activate the phosphorescence of a fresh measuring strip, the irradiation applied in the first measurement step (e.g., the dose) can be calculated. The possible measuring range can be limited upwards by the threshold value of the sensor on the measuring strip. Based on the irradiation, a radiant intensity, irradiance, specific radiance, and radiant energy can be calculated using additional, adjustable parameters.

[0104] Example 27 is a method for determining a measured value of radiation. The method may, for example, comprise: pre-activating a sensor's phosphorescence on a measuring strip with the radiation to be measured. Fully activating the phosphorescence in a reading device with a known irradiance. Calculating the desired measured value using a difference between the irradiance used in the second step and the irradiance required to activate the phosphorescence in a fresh measuring strip.

Claims

[1] Measuring system comprising a sensor (110) and a readout device for reading the sensor (110), wherein the sensor (110) comprises: an organic material, wherein the organic material has a radiation dose-dependent light emission characteristic such that a characteristic light emission is generated by the organic material as soon as the organic material has accumulated a total radiation dose that is greater than a characteristic limit radiation dose (172), wherein the organic material of the sensor (110) has an accumulated measuring dose, and wherein the sensor (110) is arranged such that a difference between the characteristic limit radiation dose (172) and the accumulated measurement dose represents the accumulated measurement dose, the readout device comprising: an additional radiation source (210) which irradiates the sensor (110) with an additional dose, wherein the additional dose triggers the characteristic light emission of the organic material of the sensor (110) when a total dose from the accumulated measurement dose and the additional dose reaches the characteristic limit radiation dose (172), and wherein the additional dose represents a dose from the measurement dose accumulated on the sensor (110) until the characteristic limit radiation dose (172) is reached; and an output device which outputs the value representing the additional dose. [2] Measuring system comprising a sensor (110) and a readout device according to claim 1, wherein the additional radiation source (210) emits radiation with a predetermined wavelength spectrum and / or with a predetermined intensity. [3] A measuring system comprising a readout device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a radiation detector (310) for detecting light emissions from the sensor (110). [4] Measuring system comprising a sensor (110) and a readout device according to one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a determination device for determining the accumulated measuring dose. [5] A method for determining a measurement dose accumulated in an organic material of a sensor (110), the sensor (110) comprising: an organic material, wherein the organic material has a radiation dose-dependent light emission characteristic such that a characteristic light emission is generated by the organic material as soon as the organic material has accumulated a total radiation dose which is greater than a characteristic limit radiation dose (172), wherein the sensor (110) is configured such that a difference between the characteristic limit radiation dose (172) and the accumulated measurement dose represents the accumulated measurement dose, the method comprising: Applying an additional dose until the organic material of the sensor (110) produces the characteristic light emission, and Output a value representing the additional dose that represents the accumulated measurement dose of the sensor. [6] The method of claim 5, further comprising determining the accumulated measurement dose of the sensor (110) from the characteristic limit radiation dose (172) and the additional dose. [7] Method according to claim 6, further comprising determining the accumulated measurement dose from a characteristic limit radiation dose, the additional dose and one or more correction quantities. [8] Method according to one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the organic material of the sensor (110) is arranged such that the organic material emits radiation with an intensity (130) in an intensity range less than a first intensity (161) when the organic material has accumulated a radiation dose that is less than the characteristic limit radiation dose (172), and that the organic material emits radiation in an intensity range greater than a second intensity (162) when the organic material has accumulated a radiation dose that is greater than the characteristic limit radiation dose (172), and wherein the first intensity (161) is less than the second intensity (162). [9] Method according to claim 8, wherein the characteristic limit radiation dose (172) lies within a limit dose range (152), wherein the limit dose range (152) has a lower limit dose (171) and an upper limit dose (173), and wherein an intensity (130) of the radiation (130) emitted by the organic material increases from a first intensity at a lower limit dose (171) to a second intensity (162) at an upper limit dose (173), wherein the upper dose limit (173) is greater than the lower dose limit (171), and wherein the increase in intensity (130) depends on the total accumulated radiation dose of the sensor (110). [10] Method according to one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the characteristic light emission is a multiplication of an intensity (130) of the emitted radiation by more than a factor of 1.

2. [11] Method according to one of claims 5 to 10, wherein the accumulated measuring dose can be formed by means of one of the following radiations: X-ray radiation, and / or gamma radiation, and / or EUV radiation, and / or UV radiation, and / or visible light, and / or IR radiation.

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