High-sensitivity radiation detector for low dose level radiological applications

Radiation dosimetry by Fricke gel was largely used, generally focused and optimized for radiotherapy applications therefore involving relative high dose levels. Fricke gel dosimetry has several advantages, like dose rate and LET almost independence, 3D mapping, among other. This work presents a novel Fricke gel dosimeter optimized for low dose levels. Several chemical composition were studied varying concentrations of sulfuric acid (H2SO4), ferrous ammonium sulphate ((NH4)2Fe(SO4)2 · 6H2O), benzoic acid (C7H6O2) and Xylenol orange (C31H32N2O13S). Samples were analyzed by light transmission and absorbance. Sensitivity for low dose levels was significantly improved testing typical radiology setups. Comparisons with ionization chamber showed good agreement. Thus, remarking reliability of the developed system as promising tool for low-level dosimetry.