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 0.5 µSv/h to 1 mSv/h (±20% 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