Background/aims: The pathogenic role of ultraviolet (UV) in the development of skin cancer, skin ageing and immunosuppression makes it important to monitor human exposure to UV radiation. In a previous study we constructed UVB and UVC dosimeters based on a thermoluminescent phenomenon induced by UV in CaF2 :Dy and CaF2 crystals. However, these dosimeters were insensitive to UVA radiation and readout was time-consuming. In the present study we aimed to develop an electronic dosimeter suitable for UVA, UVB and UVC. The principle of this dosimeter is a measure of accumulated electric current induced by UV on a photodetector.
Methods: Electric current induced by UV on a photodetector was accumulated in a Plessey's E-cell coulometer. A special reading device was constructed to quantify total charge of the coulometer. Sensitivity for UVA, UVB and UVC was achieved by the use of appropriate filters in front of the photodetector.
Results: The sensitivity of the electronic dosimeter increased with increasing wavelength of UV radiation; therefore, in UVB and UVC dosimeters the use of amplifiers was necessary. A linear response to UVA, UVB and UVC was achieved.
Conclusion: Dosimeters with a linear response to increasing doses of UVA, UVB and UVC have been constructed for personal monitoring of UV exposure.
Keywords: electronic dosimeters; photodetection; ultraviolet radiation.