The first low-cost dosimeter with open-source hardware and software.
The Problem
For radiation workers, dose monitoring from exposure to X-ray radiation is critical, making wearable dosimeters invaluable to ensure safe practices. While there is little data on the global availability of personal dosimeters, many workers experience limited or non-existent access. Traditional dosimeters can be prohibitively expensive, and require complicated logistics around calibration, read-out, and reporting - all leading to radiation workers having restricted insight into their own exposure levels.
Our Solution
OpenDosimeter addresses these challenges with a low-cost, open-source, real-time dosimeter that is calibrated using Am-241 from a household ionization smoke detector. This eliminates the need to rely on external infrastructure for calibration and read-out. Lastly, the open design allows anyone to replicate and build their own personal dosimeter, empowering radiation workers to monitor their exposure more effectively with real-time feedback. The OpenDosimeter also acts as a reference design that invites people to make derivatives adapted to their needs.
Technical Specifications
- Open design: Hardware and software designs are fully open-source, enabling reproducibility and customization
- Affordable: Total cost to build one is below $100
- Compact: Small in size, measuring 73 mm x 42 mm x 23 mm with the case
- Accurate: Current software version enables dose rate accuracy between around 0.1 µSv/h to 1 mSv/h (±25% accuracy), with an upcoming software upgrade enabling up to 50 mSv/h (in development)
- Battery-powered: Up to 20 hours of battery life (<70 mA @ 3.7V, 1200 mAh LiPo battery)
- Calibratable: Using Am-241 from any household ionization smoke detector for spectral/dose calibration
- Real-time: Direct feedback on radiation exposure, compared to passive dosimeters (e.g., OSL or TLD badges) requiring external readout
- Data logging: The last 10 hours of dose values are stored on the device; extracted through USB connection and our web-interface
here
Open-source documentation and build instructions!
Video tutorials on our YouTube channel.
@OpenDosimeter
Technical paper on ArXiv (16/09/24)
Get Involved
Are you curious about OpenDosimeter and want to get involved? The more people who evaluate and implement the OpenDosimeter in their settings, the more impactful the project will be! Head over to our GitHub repository for more information
Did You Build One?
We would love to see your device! Share your photos and progress with us: opendosimeter@gmail.com
Pilot Workshop at Strathmore University
In August 2024, we ran a collaborative workshop at the Strathmore University makerspace in Nairobi, Kenya. Based on the open-source documentation and provided components, students built their own OpenDosimeters and gave critical feedback on the device and documentation. This is an example of capacity-building activities in radiation safety that is possible with the OpenDosimeter. Photos of the workshop will be shared soon.