A New Tiny Computerized Radiation Dosimeter

In the continuing search for better ways to measure the real time exposures to radiation received by workers in the nuclear industry, we have developed a new instrument which combines the CdTe detector of the previous chirper with a low battery power computer to process the data. This has resulted in a tiny new instrument capable of sounding an alarm when a dangerous radiation field exists, measuring the radiation field either in a timer/scaler mode or as a ratemeter and alarming when the background increases suddenly. When not in use as a radiation instrument, it can function as a digital watch. The instrument will be small enough to be worn as a watch, which it resembles in form. This development will make it even easier than previously possible for workers in the nuclear industry to carry accurate and sophisticated, yet simple to operate, radiation measuring instruments at any time they are in a potentially hazardous location. This will provide less opportunity for serious exposures to occur by timely measurement and warning.