In order to replace the DT-60/PD dosimeter system, the U.S. Navy needs a casualty dosimeter which can be used for determination of personnel dose exposure (50-1000 rads) during a potential nuclear conflict. The dosimeter should cost less than $2, should have an accuracy of about twenty percent, shelf life of 20 years and can be read without an equipment. Under the SBIR Phase I award, we demonstrated that such a dosimeter can be developed using a unique class compounds. Prototype dosimeters were prepared and irradiated with different dosages (25 - 1000 rads) of gamma ray. The dosimeters develop a faint red or blue color at 25 rads and the color intensifies with dose. The dose can be estimated with an accuracy better than 20% with a color reference chart. The dosimeters will provide about 20 years of shelf life. The cost of the dosimeter will be less than a dollar. Additional compositions will be synthesized, and the processes and the formulations will be optimized. A reference color chart will be created using commercially available dyes. The dosimeter will be prepared by using a pilot plant coater. The dosimeter will be characterized and the shelf life, accuracy, and the cost will be determined.
