Work

Retrospective dosimetry based on red Thermoluminescence (RTL) of a single resistor from mobile phones

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: In the framework of the European Project CONFIDENCE („COping with uNcertainties For Improved modelling and DEcision making in Nuclear emergenCiEs”), the dosimetric properties of alumina (Al 2 O 3 ) substrates of surface-mount resistors placed on mobile phone circuit boards were used to further develop a new retrospective dosimetry method. Resistors showed a strong emission due to the Cr 3+ emission at a wavelength of 695 nm, thus enabling Thermoluminescence (TL) measurements in the red detection window (RTL). The resulting strong increase in sensitivity, as compared to the earlier protocols in TL and OSL with either blue or UV light detection, allowed to establish a new protocol which is optimized for the low-dose region (10-100 mGy) and is based only on a single resistor. The single resistor can be potentially replaced, leaving the phone intact. Possible parameters affecting the precision of the method such as confounding signals intrinsic to the material (zero-dose), signal loss with time (anomalous fading), and uncertainty related to the instrumentation were explored. Irradiation trials on intact smartphones demonstrated that dose assessment down to 20 mGy and 40 mGy is possible at the single resistor level, for measurements up to several days and 30 days after exposure, respectively.

Source: Radiation Measurements

DOI: 10.1016/j.radmeas.2026.107717

Authors: Alessia Mafodda, Clemens Woda

Institutions: Helmholtz Munich, Federal Office for Radiation Protection

Language: English

Topic: Radiation Effects and Dosimetry

Subfield: Food Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,690