QEL Inc. proposes to develop a novel, solid state radiation detector that would have the same response function as tissue for all types of radiation. The device can therefore be used to measure dose for a variety of radiation types without the need for corrections based on energy, radiation quality, etc. QEL has developed a photolithography process for producing micro- electronic devices primarily from organic materials. Preliminary data, shown within the proposal, indicate that detectors made from these devices will be capable of measuring ionizing radiation. QEL intends to perform a series of studies to determine which materials are most suitable for producing radiation detectors. Using these results, QEL will then perform a series of tests to characterize the linearity and sensitivity of a set of feasibility/test devices. With these data, QEL will determine whether these types of devices can become practical solid state tissue equivalent detectors (TEDs).
Practical tissue equivalent detectors would be highly desirable in many applications. They could replace ion chambers as dose monitors and/or calibration detectors, and replace film badges or TLD's as personal dosimeters (since they can be produced at a low price).
