Use of OSL and TL of Electronic Components of Portable Devices for Retrospective Accident Dosimetry

Abstract

Growing apprehensions of radiological accidents and terroristic attacks have intensified research efforts to find materials with appropriate radiation sensitivity that are carried close to human body, are ubiquitously available and which can be used as fortuitous dosimeters in rapid determination of doses of individuals after radiation exposure. In this respect, thermoluminescence (TL) and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) of chip cards and electronic components of personal objects have been recently evaluated by researchers in several countries. OSL and TL signal of chip cards is attributed to SiO2 grains contained in the epoxy layers used for controlling the thixotropic properties whereas the radiation induced signal in electronic components (resistors, resonators, capacitors, ICs, antenna switches, etc.) of personal objects (mobile phones, USB flash drive, MP3 players, etc.) is attributed to the ceramic contents, especially to Al2O3 based substrates.