Technical Paper
The Use of Passive Radiation Dosimeters in Monitoring the Space Radiation Environment
1994-06-01
941613
Passive dosimeters have been extensively used to measure space radiation exposures to crewmembers for over three decades. Although a significant evolution in materials, processes, readout, and analysis techniques for these sensors has been witnessed during this period, these simple devices remain the backbone of the current operational dosimetry program for the Space Shuttle. Indeed, the utilization of passive dosimeters is also planned for the space station as well as advanced manned exploration programs, i.e., Lunar Base and Mars missions. Sensor materials and types have included thermoluminescent dosimeters, radiation-sensitive films and emulsions, and plastic nuclear track detectors. Early, transitional, and current passive dosimeter materials, systems, and techniques to measure space radiation are described and discussed, with major emphasis on the development of thermoluminescent dosimetry (TLD) techniques.