Radiation Dosimetry Using Smartphone Photodetector

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radiation dosimeters, both active and passive, face challenges such as the need for continuous power supply in active dosimeters and complex readout systems in passive dosimeters, limiting their applicability in various environments.

Innovation Solution

A mobile computing device-based system that includes a storage phosphor element, a light source, and a photodetector, which absorbs and measures ionizing radiation, allowing for real-time radiation dosimetry without a continuous power supply, using a smartphone as a portable and efficient platform.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If active dosimeters are used to continuously measure radiation exposure, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy deteriorates due to continuous power supply requirement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiation exposure measurementVSAvoidcontinuous power supply

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The phosphor plate absorbs and stores radiation energy during exposure periods, preparing the measurement data in advance. The stored energy is then read out later when needed, eliminating the need for continuous power supply during the measurement process itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the electronic sensing system requiring continuous power with an optical readout system. The phosphor plate converts radiation into stored optical energy, which is then read out using a light source and detector, substituting continuous electronic measurement with a storage-and-retrieve approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Use of energy by moving object

If passive dosimeters are used to measure radiation exposure without continuous power, then use of energy is improved, but device complexity deteriorates due to specialized readout systems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveno continuous power supplyVSAvoidspecialized readout systems

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the mobile computing device perform multiple functions: it serves as the dosimeter sensor, the power source, the data processing unit, and the display interface. This consolidates what would traditionally require separate specialized devices into a single multi-functional platform.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The phosphor plate acts as an intermediary between the radiation field and the readout system. It stores radiation information and releases it as light when stimulated, enabling the use of simple, universal components (like smartphone cameras) to read the data without requiring complex specialized readout equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If mobile computing devices are used for radiation dosimetry, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision may deteriorate due to lack of specialized sensors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveportable platformVSAvoidradiation dosage correlation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the phosphor plate to create an optical copy of the radiation exposure pattern. This copy can be read out multiple times without degrading the original radiation measurement, allowing the same phosphor plate to be reused for repeated measurements and calibration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the measurement parameter from direct electronic radiation detection to optical light emission intensity. By measuring the intensity of light emitted from the phosphor plate when stimulated, the system correlates this optical parameter to radiation dosage, enabling use with standard smartphone sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables continuous radiation exposure monitoring with instant readout and fast reset, making it suitable for widespread deployment in various sectors, including healthcare and environmental monitoring.

Implementation Method 1

a storage phosphor element configured to absorb and store ionizing radiation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption of ionizing radiation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

a light source configured to illuminate the storage phosphor element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotostimulation: Photoluminescence

Implementation Method 3

a photodetector configured to capture a light emission from the storage phosphor element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20240201400A1Radiation dosimetry using a mobile computing device

Publication Date: 2024.06.20 GEORGIA TECH RES CORP

AI summary

Described herein are devices for radiation dosimetry. An example device includes a storage phosphor element configured to absorb and store ionizing radiation; a light source configured to excite the storage phosphor element; a photodetector configured to capture light emission from the storage phosphor element; and a computing device including a processor and a memory operably coupled to the processor, the memory having computer-executable instructions stored thereon that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to correlate an intensity of the light emission captured by the photodetector to a radiation dosage.