Dosimetry apparatus, systems, and methods

BACKGROUND

1.

Field

0001This invention pertains generally to radiation detection, and more particularly to direct ion storage (DIS) dosimeters, and most particularly to their fabrication and data retrieval. The invention also pertains to radiation detection systems and methods based on multiple dosimeters, including multiple DIS dosimeters.

2.

Description of Related Art

0002There are many different types of radiation detectors or dosimeters for monitoring exposure to hazardous ionizing radiation, such as x-rays, gamma rays, electrons and neutrons. These range from simple colorimetric film or badge dosimeters to complex electronic devices. Some devices are real-time; others show a cumulative exposure over a long period of time. A wide range of dosages may be detected.

0003One particular type is the direct ion storage (DIS) dosimeter, as shown in <patcit id="pcit0001" dnum="US5739541A"><text>U.S. Patent 5,739,541</text></patcit>. A DIS dosimeter is based on a MOSFET with a floating gate on which a charge is placed. The surface of the gate is open to a space containing air or other gas, usually enclosed in a chamber. Ionizing radiation incident on the air or gas produces charge carriers that recombine with and thereby change the charge on the gate. The change in gate charge is detected and provides a measure of the incident radiation dosage. While an effective dosimeter, the DIS dosimeter has not been widely used because of the laborious (typically manual) and expensive fabrication process starting with a MOSFET transistor, altering the transistor to expose the gate, and hermetically sealing the modified transistor in a chamber.

0004There are many applications for dosimeters, from safety monitoring to industrial process monitoring to medical imaging and radiotherapy. A major application is personal dosimetry for people who may be exposed to radiation; these include medical workers and patients. At present, dosimeters are usually exchanged on a periodic basis with new dosimeters, and the old dosimeters are sent to a service provider who reads the dosimeters and provides data back to the user. Thus there is a lot of handling and transportation of the dosimeters.

0005One particular application of great interest today is the detection of potential terrorist threats using nuclear materials. Since there are many threat points, including airports, sea ports, border crossings, subways, large public buildings, shopping malls, and sports arenas, and many ways of transporting contraband nuclear material, including vehicles, shipping containers, luggage, and people, an effective system requires many dosimeters and real time data recovery. The military could also use dosimeters to locate nuclear materials and to monitor exposure of troops in the field.

0006To be widely used, a dosimeter should be low cost and easy to manufacture. Furthermore, to be effective, it must be easy to obtain data from the dosimeters in real time and to communicate this information to a collection point. In some cases the dosimeters may be widely distributed from the collection point; in other cases the dosimeters may all arrive at a common location. It would be particularly useful if the data could be collected using state of the art telecommunications technology, e.g. the internet.

0007Therefore, it is desirable to provide a DIS dosimeter design that is low cost and easy to manufacture.

0008It is also desirable to provide a DIS dosimeter that has easy data readout capability, including a DIS dosimeter with internet connectability or other telecommunication interfaces.

0009It is further desirable to provide a system that can read a plurality of dosimeters in different locations or at a common location.

BRIEF SUMMARY

0010An aspect of the invention is a direct ion storage (DIS) radiation dosimeter, including a first layer having a MOSFET structure formed thereon by semiconductor processing techniques, the MOSFET structure having a floating gate with an exposed surface; a second layer having a concavity therein; and a third layer, optionally having a concavity therein; the first layer being sandwiched between the second and third layer, the three layers being bonded together to form a hermetic seal; wherein the concavity in the second layer, and any concavity in the third layer, are aligned with the exposed surface of the floating gate to form an ion chamber.

0011Another aspect of the invention is a direct ion storage (DIS) radiation dosimeter, including a MOSFET having a floating gate with an exposed surface; a data conversion interface electrically connected to the MOSFET; and a communications interface connected to the output of the data conversion interface; the data conversion and communications interfaces being integral to the dosimeter.

0012Also an aspect of the invention is a system for screening a plurality of persons, objects, or containers at a location for radiation exposure or for radioactive sources carried therein or thereon, including a plurality of dosimeters, a dosimeter being attached to each person, object, or container present at the location, each dosimeter having an integral communications interface; and a dosimeter reader at the location for reading each dosimeter through its communications interface on a one time or on a periodic basis. The reader is connected to a central station by wired or wireless communication.

0013A further aspect of the invention is a system for screening a plurality of objects, containers or persons being transported from a first location to a second location for radioactive sources carried therein or thereon, including a plurality of dosimeters, a dosimeter being attached to each object, container, or person present at the first location, each dosimeter having an integral communications interface; a first dosimeter reader at the first location for reading each dosimeter through its communications interface before the associated object, container, or person leaves the first location; and a second dosimeter reader at the second location for reading each dosimeter through its communications interface when the associated object, container, or person arrives at the second location.

0014Yet another aspect of the invention is a system for surveillance of an area for radioactive sources located therein, including a plurality of dosimeters, each dosimeter being attached to a person or a vehicle that moves through the surveillance area, each dosimeter having an integral wireless communications interface and a locator device; and a reader in communication with the dosimeters. The reader may be at a central station or communicate with a central station.

0015Yet a further aspect of the invention is a method for screening a plurality of persons, objects, or containers at a location for radiation exposure or for radioactive sources carried therein or thereon, by attaching a dosimeter to each person, object, or container present at the location, each dosimeter having an integral communications interface; and reading each dosimeter at the location through its communications interface on a one time or a periodic basis. Data read from each dosimeter at the location is transmitted to a central station for processing, and reports are received back from the central station, all electronically.

0016Another aspect of the invention is a method for screening a plurality of objects, containers or persons being transported from a first location to a second location for radioactive sources carried therein or thereon, by attaching a dosimeter to each object, container, or person present at the first location, each dosimeter having an integral communications interface; reading each dosimeter through its communications interface before the associated object, container, or person leaves the first location; and reading each dosimeter through its communications interface when the associated object, container, or person arrives at the second location.

0017Also an aspect of the invention is a method for surveillance of an area for radioactive sources located therein, by attaching a plurality of dosimeters to persons or vehicles that move through the surveillance area, each dosimeter having an integral wireless communications interface and a locator device; and monitoring the plurality of mobile dosimeters at a reader in communication with the dosimeters. The reader may be at a central station or data from a reader can be sent to a central station.

0018Further aspects of the invention will be brought out in the following portions of the specification, wherein the detailed description is for the purpose of fully disclosing preferred embodiments of the invention without placing limitations thereon.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0019The invention will be more fully understood by reference to the following drawings which are for illustrative purposes only: <ul id="ul0001" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li><figref idref="f0001">FIGs. 1A</figref>, B are cross-sectional views of a basic prior art DIS radiation detector, without and with a surrounding conductive wall.</li><li><figref idref="f0002">FIGs. 2A</figref>, B are a cross-sectional view and an assembly drawing of a three layer dual chamber DIS dosimeter of the invention.</li><li><figref idref="f0002">FIG. 3</figref> is a block diagram of the components of a DIS dosimeter of the invention having an internal readout.</li><li><figref idref="f0003 f0005">FIGs. 4A-C</figref> are a perspective, an assembly, and a partly assembled and partly in section drawing of a DIS dosimeter package of the invention.</li><li><figref idref="f0003">FIGs. 4D-E</figref> are top views showing the operation of the pivotable base element of the DIS dosimeter package of <figref idref="f0003 f0005">FIGs. 4A-C</figref>.</li><li><figref idref="f0006">FIGs. 5-6</figref> are block diagrams of radiation detection systems of the invention based on a plurality of dosimeters.</li></ul>

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

0020Referring more specifically to the drawings, for illustrative purposes the present invention is embodied in the apparatus, systems, and methods generally shown in <figref idref="f0001 f0002 f0003 f0004 f0005 f0006">FIG. 1A through FIG. 6</figref>. It will be appreciated that the apparatus and systems may vary as to configuration and as to details of the parts, and the methods may vary as to the particular implementation, without departing from the basic concepts as disclosed herein.

0021One aspect of the invention is directed to an improved direct ion storage (DIS) dosimeter, and methods of making same. The basic configuration of the DIS dosimeter is shown in <patcit id="pcit0002" dnum="US5739541A"><text>U.S. Patent 5,739,541</text></patcit>, which is herein incorporated by reference. As shown in <figref idref="f0001">Fig. 1A</figref>, DIS detector 10 is a modified MOSFET transistor and has a source 11 and a drain 12 separated by a channel 17 formed on a substrate 18. The DIS detector 10 also has an oxide layer 14 on the substrate 18 covering channel 17 and at least a portion of source 11 and drain 12. A floating gate 15 is provided in the oxide layer 14, spaced above channel 17 and extending between source 11 and drain 12. Oxide layer 14 has an opening 16 therein over the floating gate 15 so that at least a portion of the surface of the floating gate 15 is uncovered and electrically non-insulated. Opening 16 forms an air or gas space in direct contact with floating gate 15.

0022In operation, a charge is placed on floating gate 15, e.g. by applying a voltage between source 11 and drain 12. When ionizing radiation is incident on the air or other gas above the (charged) floating gate 15, charge carriers will be produced and these will cause a change in the charge on the gate 15 because of recombination. The change in charge on the gate 15 is a measure of the radiation dosage. The change in charge on the gate 15 can easily be measured, without disturbing the charge on the gate 15, by measuring the conductivity of channel 17 between source 11 and drain 12.

0023The basic DIS radiation detector 10 of <figref idref="f0001">Fig. 1A</figref> may be enclosed in a conducting wall 19 to produce DIS dosimeter 20 having a closed ion chamber 21 filled with air or other gas as shown in <figref idref="f0001">Fig. 1B</figref>. Depending on the wall material and thickness, and the type of radiation, the incident radiation may interact with the wall and produce secondary electrons which then ionize the air or gas in the ion chamber 21, or the radiation may penetrate through the wall 19 and directly ionize the air or gas in chamber 21. In either case, the ionized air or gas in chamber 21 will cause a change in the gate charge of the MOSFET that is proportional to the radiation dosage. Electrical leads 22, 23 to source 11 and drain 12 extend out from dosimeter 20 so that charge may be applied to the gate or gate charge changes (i.e. channel conductivity changes) can be measured. If a particular type of radiation is being detected, materials that interact with that radiation should be used for the wall. For example, for thermal neutron detection, boron or lithium containing materials, e.g. plastic with boron nitride or polyethylene with lithium nitrate, could be used, while for photon detection, the walls could be made of teflon or graphite.

0024The invention includes a simplified three layer single or multiple ion chamber DIS radiation detector configuration, based on the above described principles, made by semiconductor packaging techniques, and methods of making same. <figref idref="f0002">Fig. 2A</figref> shows an illustrative DIS radiation detector 30 of the invention having two chambers, but the invention includes single chamber and more than two chamber detectors. Detector 30 is made of three modular layers 32, 33, 34, which can each be manufactured by automated processes. The three layers are then brought together and hermetically sealed together, again by automated processes, to form the detector 30, with two ion chambers 35, 36. The middle layer 32 is the MOSFET layer; it is fabricated using standard semiconductor fabrication equipment and processes, typically on a silicon substrate. MOSFET layer 32 is formed by conventional steps of deposition, doping, and etching so that it has two MOSFET structures 31 with exposed floating gates as described above and as illustrated in <figref idref="f0001">Fig. 1A</figref>. MOSFET layer 32 also has conducting electrical lines 39 formed thereon so that electrical connection can be made to the source and drain of the MOSFET structures 31 from outside the radiation detector 30.

0025Top and bottom layers 33, 34 are also made by automated processes, typically of metal or conducting polymer, in sizes and shapes to match the MOSFET layer 32. Top layer 33 includes concavities 37, 38 and bottom layer 34 contains concavities 47, 48 so that when top and bottom layers 33, 34 are brought together with and hermetically sealed to MOSFET layer 32, ion chambers 35, 36 are formed. Concavity 37 in top layer 33 communicates with concavity 47 in bottom layer 34 through MOSFET layer 32 to increase the size of ion chamber 35; likewise for cavities 38, 48 and ion chamber 36. Alternatively, the bottom layer 34 may be substantially flat, and top cavities 37, 38 alone form the ion chambers 35, 36. For assembly, the three layers 32, 33, 34 are aligned and brought together, with MOSFET layer 32 sandwiched between top layer 33 and bottom layer 34, as shown in <figref idref="f0002">Fig. 2B</figref>, and bonded together. The electrical lines 39 communicate externally through the detector 30 and are connected to standard electrical connectors (not shown) so that charge may be placed on the floating gate and changes in charge on the gate may be measured. In a simplified two layer embodiment, the bottom layer 34 can be eliminated and the detector is formed by sealing the top layer 34 to the MOSFET layer 32.

0026The two ion chambers 35, 36 may be of different sizes for different radiation dosages. The pressures in the chambers may be selected for desired sensitivity. Different gases may be used in the two chambers. Thus the dosimeters can be tailored to the application.

0027To best utilize the DIS radiation detector of <figref idref="f0001">Figs. 1A</figref>, B, and in particular the improved DIS radiation detector configuration of <figref idref="f0002">Fig. 2A</figref>, the invention further includes a radiation sensor package with an integrated communications interface, as shown in <figref idref="f0002">Fig. 3</figref>. In the radiation detector package 40, the analog output of a DIS radiation detector 42 passes through a data conversion (or signal conversion) interface 44, e.g. an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter, and the digitized output of data conversion interface 44 is input to digital communications interface 46. The data conversion and digital communications interfaces 44, 46 may be combined in a data collection and data readout integrated circuit 48. Interface 46 allows the dosimetry data to be communicated to many different systems. Interface 46 can be selected from any of many available digital interface technologies, particularly those for interfacing to the internet. One particular preferred interface is a USB port, allowing direct connection or connection by USB cable to various readers. Any other wired interface can also be used. Another preferred interface is a wireless telecommunication interface, allowing wireless transmission of the data to various readers. The invention does not depend on a particular implementation of the data conversion and communications interfaces, but may be implemented with any presently available or future technolgies. The implementation may include any and all features that are available with these technologies. For example, the implementation may include tamper proof algorithms, hardware or software to insure integrity of the system; features such as data integrity checking algorithms and encryption would normally be included.

0028The invention further includes a modular integrated DIS radiation sensor or dosimeter package, as shown in <figref idref="f0003">Figs. 4A-E</figref>. The modular integrated DIS radiation sensor package 50 is contained in a compact housing 51, typically made of plastic. Housing 51 has an aperture 52 in one end thereof. Sensor package 50 also includes a DIS radiation dosimeter or sensor 54 of the general type shown in <figref idref="f0001">Figs. 1A</figref>, B, and more preferably the configuration shown in <figref idref="f0002">Fig. 2A</figref>. The DIS radiation sensor 54 is electrically connected to an associated data collection and data readout integrated circuit 56. DIS sensor 54 and integrated circuit 56 are mounted on a support frame 55 that fits into and is slidably mounted to housing 51. Integrated circuit 56 includes a USB port or connection 57 at one end thereof. Metal bracket 58 forms a shield to USB port or connection 57 of integrated circuit 56. Bracket 59 is also part of the internal sensor and circuit assembly 64. More generally, integrated circuit 56 includes the data or signal conversion interface 44 and digital communication interface 46 of <figref idref="f0002">Fig. 3</figref>. It provides for data collection from sensor 54 and data readout from sensor package 50. In an alternate embodiment, integrated circuit 56 may have a wireless communication interface in place of the USB port. Sensor package 50 may include, but does not require, an internal power source, e.g. a battery. Once the DIS sensor 54 has been charged from an external source, it will function as a dosimeter, i.e. the stored charge will change upon exposure to radiation. Integrated circuit 56 can be powered externally, e.g. inductively or RF interrogation, or by electrical connection, when it is desired to read the data.

0029A base element 60 having a protective aperture closing flange 61 extending therefrom is pivotably mounted to the bottom of housing 51 so that flange 61 normally covers the aperture 52, as shown in <figref idref="f0003">Fig. 4A</figref>. Base element 60 has a mounting ring 65 that snaps into circular aperture 66 on the bottom of housing 51. A rod 67 also extends upwardly from the ring 65; rod 67 is distal from flange 61. Rod 67 engages a slot 53 on the bottom of frame 55. Flange 61 is rotated away from aperture 52, as shown in <figref idref="f0003">Figs. 4D-E</figref>, when it is desired to connect USB port 57 to an external reader. As base element 60 is rotated, camming action by rod 67 slides the frame 55 forward toward the aperture 52. When flange 61 has been rotated 180, frame 55 has been fully translated forwards so that USB connector 57 extends out from aperture 54, and may be plugged into the USB port of a digital computer or other reader. Alternatively, closing flange 61 could be hinged at the bottom so that it could be folded down away from the aperture 52 and other mechanisms may be used to slide the frame forward to extend the USB port 57. Base element 60 also includes a clip 63 for easy attachment to a person or object. Other attachment means could also be used. An optional radiation shield 68 may also be mounted in the housing 51, inside the top, over DIS sensor 54 to shield from certain radiation.

0030<figref idref="f0006">Fig. 5</figref> illustrates a radiation detection system 70 of the invention. A plurality (n) of objects, containers, or people 71 a, 71b ... 71 n at a first location 72 each have a radiation dosimeter 74a, 74b ... 74n affixed thereto. The dosimeters 74a ... 74n are preferably DIS dosimeters as described above but may include other types of dosimeters such as TLD (thermoluminescent), OSL (optically stimulated luminescent), RPL (radiophosphorluminescent), radiochromic (RC) and MOSFET (old type, not DIS) dosimeters. In general, any type of passive dosimeter can be used. As a physical property changes when exposed to radiation, the change can be measured. However, all the dosimeters have a built in communications interface, e.g. as shown in <figref idref="f0002">Fig. 3</figref>. For example, any of these other types of dosimeters could replace DIS sensor 54 in sensor package 50 of <figref idref="f0003">Fig. 4A-E</figref>.

0031Also located at the first location 72 is a first reader 75 for reading the data from each of the dosimeters 74a ... 74n. Reader 75 may be any type of device that can collect the data from the dosimeters through the built in communications interfaces of the dosimeters. For example, reader 75 may be connected to a dosimeter by a USB cable 77, as shown with dosimeter 74a, or the reader 75 may be in wireless communication with a dosimeter, as shown with dosimeter 74n. Reader 75 may also be directly connected to the dosimeter using an extendable USB connector as shown in <figref idref="f0003">Fig. 4E</figref>. Reader 75 may typically be a PC.

0032The individual dosimeters 74a ... 74n do not have to have an internal power source, e.g. batteries, which may be removed or otherwise become disabled. The individual dosimeters 74a ... 74n may instead be inductively powered, e.g. by the reader 75. This will ensure that at the time that it is desired to read a particular dosimeter to determine if the associated object, container, or person contains, is carrying, or has been exposed to radioactive material, the dosimeter will be properly powered.

0033Location 72 may be a single location where dosimeter monitoring occurs on a continuous or periodic basis. For example, it may be a nuclear reactor or medical radiotherapy center where system 70 is used for personal dosimetry. The personnel 71 a ... 71 n at the location 72 are subject to periodic readings of the dosimeters 74a ... 74n that they wear while present. This is done by simply reading the dosimeters at scheduled intervals by the on site reader 75, e.g. by USB or wireless connection. Location 72 may also be a location where visitors are screened upon leaving or a processing facility where products are screened when being shipped. For example it may be a manufacturing facility where shipping containers are screened prior to shipment by attaching a dosimeter and reading the dosimeter at the on site reader to detect any residual radiation or radioactive contaminants. Location 52 could be in camp or field headquarters in a military theater, where soldiers plug in to a PC to monitor possible exposure or to locate hidden weapons. The PC can be in wireless or wired communication with a central command post. Location 52 could also be an airport where arriving flight crews could have their dosimeters read to monitor exposure to cosmic rays.

0034Location 72 may also be the point of origin, e.g. an airport, a seaport, a railroad station, or a factory, of objects, containers or people 74a ... 74n that are to be transported to a second location. The set of dosimeters 74a ... 74n and the reader 75 allow an assessment of whether any radioactive material is present prior to transport to a second location 78, the point of destination. Any objects, containers or people for which the dosimeters show the presence of radiation can be removed or otherwise investigated. The remaining objects, containers or people, with their affixed dosimeters, can then be transported to location 78.

0035At location 78, a second reader 79 is present and the data on the affixed dosimeters is again read. Reader 79 is similar to reader 78 and reads the data from the dosimeters through the built in communications interface. This second reading at the destination location prevents radioactive material from being picked up or added after leaving the first location. Again, if any of the objects, containers or persons read positive for radiation, they can be isolated and not passed on.

0036The readers 75, 79 at locations 72, 78 may also be in communication with a central station 80 at a third location 84. This communication may be over wires 81 or by wireless links 82. Central station 80 may collect all the data from a plurality of locations and coordinate security or monitoring efforts. For example, in the case of personal monitoring on a periodic basis at a single location, central station 80 collects the data from the reader at that location and sends back dosimetry reports. Since the communications system can be implemented on the internet, the reports can be sent on the internet, and viewed by personnel back at the monitored location. Thus, the physical transfer of dosimeters and paper reports is eliminated. In the case of transport of containers between two locations, central station 80 can receive data from reader 75 at origin location 72, process the data, and provide a report, on the internet, that is available at destination location 78 by the time the containers arrive there. Reports back to any location can be very rapid since data collection, processing and reporting are all done electronically.

0037The invention includes methods of detecting radiation exposure or radiation sources through a system of dosimeters as illustrated in <figref idref="f0006">Fig. 5</figref>. One method involves screening at a single location, either singly or on a periodic basis. This method includes screening a plurality of objects, containers, or people at the location by reading out dosimeters affixed to the objects, containers or people through communications interfaces in the dosimeters. The dosimeters are read locally; the data may then be transmitted to a remote central station for processing, report preparation etc. Another method tracks objects, containers or people from one location to another. The method includes first screening a plurality of objects, containers, or people at a first location by locally reading out dosimeters affixed to the objects, containers or people through communications interfaces in the dosimeters. After transport to a second location, the same plurality of objects, containers or people are again screened by locally reading out the affixed dosimeters through their communications interfaces. The readouts from the first and second locations may also be transmitted to a central station. In both methods, readout of the dosimeters at the locations, and communications from the locations to the central station and back are all electronic and thus very rapid. The methods can be implemented on the internet for easy access by users.

0038<figref idref="f0006">Fig. 6</figref> illustrates a radiation detection system 90 of the invention. A plurality (n) of people or vehicles 91 a, 91 b ... 91n each have a radiation dosimeter 92a, 92b ... 92n affixed thereto. The dosimeters 92a ... 92n are preferably DIS dosimeters as described above but may include other types of dosimeters such as TLD, MOSFET, RPL, RC and OSL dosimeters. However, all dosimeters have a built in communications interface, e.g. as shown in <figref idref="f0002">Fig. 3</figref>. The communications interface preferably is a wireless communications interface so that it may send data from any location. Each person or vehicle 91a ... 91n moves through an associated area 93a ... 93n. The areas 93a ... 93n may overlap, as 93a and 93b, or even be coincident, i.e. multiple persons or vehicles could cover the same area, as 93b and 93c.

0039The individual dosimeters 92a ... 92n all communicate with a central station 95, e.g. wirelessly. Central station 95 includes a reader for reading the data from each of the dosimeters 92a .... 92n. The reader may be any type of device that can collect the data from the dosimeters through the built in communications interfaces of the dosimeters. Alternatively, there could be a number of readers 94a, 94b ... 94m placed at nearby locations, i.e. either inside areas 93a ... 93n, as reader 94a or 94b, or close to an area, as reader 94m. The persons or vehicles could then wirelessly communicate with a nearby reader or go to the reader and have the dosimeter read; the reader would then transmit the data to the central station.

0040As the individual persons or vehicles move through the areas, the associated dosimeters will monitor the surroundings. These dosimeters will generally carry their own power source, e.g. batteries, or be connected to the vehicle electrical system; alternatively they could be externally powered, e.g. inductively or by RF interrogation. Any positive signals from the dosimeters will be monitored by the central station, either directly or through localized readers. The dosimeters can include a GPS or other tracking device so that its location can readily be determined. Again, because data collection and transmission are all electronic, identification of any problems can be almost instantaneous.

0041The invention includes a method of detecting radiation sources using the system of dosimeters as shown in <figref idref="f0006">Fig. 6</figref>. A plurality of mobile dosimeters are provided, e.g. by being carried on or being affixed to people, e.g. mailmen or meter readers, or vehicles, e.g. police cars, buses, taxis or delivery trucks. The mobile dosimeters include internal communications interfaces, preferably wireless. As the people or vehicles with the dosimeters move through an area, either on a fixed route or at random, a central station monitors the dosimeters through the dosimeter communications interfaces. Alternatively the dosimeters may be read by local readers, e.g. at the post office or police stations, and the local readers transmit the data to the central station. One particular application is for military personnel in the field. While patrolling or even during battle, the dosimeters, either on the soldiers or on their vehicles, can be in communication with a reader to provide essentially real time information about radiation exposure.

0042While the ability to easily read out data from the dosimeter by providing an internal communications interface is an important aspect of the invention, an optional feature is have two way communication. If the reader is a PC, then the user can get feedback, i.e. reports, on the PC display. However, in some cases, particularly in the field, it may be desirable to add an alarm receiver circuit to the dosimeter so that the central station can send an alarm signal to the individual dosimeter. This signal could then actuate a visual indicator, e.g. light, color bar, or numeric value display, sound, vibration or other indicator to alert the user. The digital communications interface 46 of <figref idref="f0002">Fig. 3</figref> could include an alarm signal receiver 47 connected to an indicator device 49.

0043While the dosimeters of the invention can be used alone, or as parts of the multi-dosimeter systems, they may also be incorporated as subcomponent parts of other devices. For example, the dosimeters could be part of a cell phone, radio, smoke detector, electronic dosimeter, surveillance camera and other communications or monitoring devices.

0044While the DIS dosimeter of the invention has been implemented with a MOSFET with exposed floating gate, other nonvolatile charge storage elements could be used if they become available.

0045The invention thus provides an improved DIS radiation detector or dosimeter that is easy and low cost to manufacture using well known semiconductor processing techniques. The detectors include internal communications interfaces so they are easy to read. Different interfaces, including USB ports and wireless interfaces, may be used, so that the dosimeters may be read over the internet. The detectors can thus be deployed or used in a variety of detection systems and screening methods.

0046Although the description above contains many details, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the scope of the present invention fully encompasses other embodiments which may become obvious to those skilled in the art, and that the scope of the present invention is accordingly to be limited by nothing other than the appended claims, in which reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean "one and only one" unless explicitly so stated, but rather "one or more." All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the above-described preferred embodiment that are known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the present claims. Moreover, it is not necessary for a device to address each and every problem sought to be solved by the present invention, for it to be encompassed by the present claims. Furthermore, no element or component in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element or component is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element herein is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase "means for."

CONCEPTS

0047As short summaries, this writing has disclosed at least the following broad concepts. <ul id="ul0002" list-style="none"><li>Concept 1. A direct ion storage (DIS) radiation dosimeter, comprising: <ul id="ul0003" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li>a first layer having a MOSFET structure formed thereon by semiconductor processing techniques, the MOSFET structure having a floating gate with an exposed surface;</li><li>a second layer having a concavity therein;</li><li>a third layer, optionally having a concavity therein;</li><li>the first layer being sandwiched between the second and third layer, the three layers being bonded together to form a hermetic seal;</li><li>wherein the concavity in the second layer, and any concavity in the third layer, are aligned with the exposed surface of the floating gate to form an ion chamber.</li></ul></li><li>Concept 2. The dosimeter of Concept 1 wherein the first layer has more than one MOSFET structure formed thereon, and the second layer has a corresponding number of concavities, and the third layer optionally has a corresponding number of concavities, to form an ion chamber over each MOSFET structure.</li><li>Concept 3. The dosimeter of Concept 2 wherein each ion chamber has a different size.</li><li>Concept 4. The dosimeter of Concept 2 wherein each ion chamber is filled with a different gas.</li><li>Concept 5. The dosimeter of Concept 2 wherein each ion chamber is filled with a gas at a different pressure.</li><li>Concept 6. A direct ion storage (DIS) radiation dosimeter, comprising: <ul id="ul0004" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li>a MOSFET having a floating gate with an exposed surface;</li><li>a data conversion interface electrically connected to the MOSFET;</li><li>a communications interface connected to the output of the data conversion interface;</li><li>the data conversion and communications interfaces being integral to the dosimeter.</li></ul></li><li>Concept 7. The dosimeter of Concept 6 wherein the communications interface is a wired interface.</li><li>Concept 8. The dosimeter of Concept 7 wherein the communications interface is a USB port or connection.</li><li>Concept 9. The dosimeter of Concept 6 wherein the communications interface is a wireless interface.</li><li>Concept 10. The dosimeter of Concept 6 wherein the communications interface includes data integrity checking and encryption.</li><li>Concept 11. The dosimeter of Concept 6 wherein the dosimeter is connected to the internet through the communications interface.</li><li>Concept 12. The dosimeter of Concept 6 wherein the data conversion and communications interfaces are externally powered.</li><li>Concept 13. The dosimeter of Concept 12 wherein the data conversion and communications interfaces are powered inductively or by RF interrogation, or by electrical connection to an external power source.</li><li>Concept 14. The dosimeter of Concept 6 wherein the communications interface further comprises an alarm signal receiving circuit.</li><li>Concept 15. The dosimeter of Concept 14 further comprising an indicator device connected to the alarm signal receiving circuit.</li><li>Concept 16. A system for screening a plurality of persons, objects, or containers at a location for radiation exposure or for radioactive sources carried therein or thereon, comprising: <ul id="ul0005" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li>a plurality of dosimeters, a dosimeter being attached to each person, object, or container present at the location, each dosimeter having an integral communications interface;</li><li>a dosimeter reader at the location for reading each dosimeter through its communications interface on a one time or on a periodic basis.</li></ul></li><li>Concept 17. The system of Concept 16 wherein the communications interface in each dosimeter is a wired or a wireless communications interface.</li><li>Concept 18. The system of Concept 17 wherein the interface is a USB interface.</li><li>Concept 19. The system of Concept 16 wherein the dosimeters are DIS, TLD, OSL, RPL, RC, MOSFET or other passive dosimeters.</li><li>Concept 20. The system of Concept 16 further comprising a central station to which the reader is connected by wired or wireless communication.</li><li>Concept 21. A system for screening a plurality of objects, containers or persons being transported from a first location to a second location for radioactive sources carried therein or thereon, comprising: <ul id="ul0006" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li>a plurality of dosimeters, a dosimeter being attached to each object, container, or person present at the first location, each dosimeter having an integral communications interface;</li><li>a first dosimeter reader at the first location for reading each dosimeter through its communications interface before the associated object, container, or person leaves the first location;</li><li>a second dosimeter reader at the second location for reading each dosimeter through its communications interface when the associated object, container, or person arrives at the second location.</li></ul></li><li>Concept 22. The system of Concept 21 wherein the communications interface in each dosimeter is a wired or a wireless communications interface.</li><li>Concept 23. The system of Concept 22 wherein the interface is a USB interface.</li><li>Concept 24. The system of Concept 21 wherein the dosimeters are DIS, TLD, OSL, RPL RC, MOSFET or other passive dosimeters.</li><li>Concept 25. The system of Concept 21 further comprising a central station to which the first and second readers are connected by wired or wireless communication.</li><li>Concept 26. A system for surveillance of an area for radioactive sources located therein, comprising: <ul id="ul0007" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li>a plurality of dosimeters, each dosimeter being attached to a person or a vehicle that moves through the surveillance area, each dosimeter having an integral communications interface;</li><li>a reader in communication with the dosimeters.</li></ul></li><li>Concept 27. The system of Concept 26 wherein the communications interface in each dosimeter is a wired or a wireless communications interface.</li><li>Concept 28. The system of Concept 27 wherein the interface is a USB interface.</li><li>Concept 29. The system of Concept 26 wherein the dosimeters are DIS, TLD, OSL, RPL, RC, MOSFET or other passive dosimeters.</li><li>Concept 30. The system of Concept 26 wherein each dosimeter further comprises a locator device.</li><li>Concept 31. A method for screening a plurality of persons, objects, or containers at a location for radiation exposure or for radioactive sources carried therein or thereon, comprising: <ul id="ul0008" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li>attaching a dosimeter to each person, object, or container present at the location, each dosimeter having an integral communications interface;</li><li>reading each dosimeter at the location through its communications interface on a one time or a periodic basis.</li></ul></li><li>Concept 32. The method of Concept 31 wherein the communications interface in each dosimeter is a wired or a wireless communications interface.</li><li>Concept 33. The method of Concept 32 wherein the interface is a USB interface.</li><li>Concept 34. The method of Concept 31 wherein the dosimeters are DIS, TLD, OSL, RPL, RC, MOSFET or other passive dosimeters.</li><li>Concept 35. The method of Concept 31 further comprising transmitting data read from each dosimeter at the location to a central station for processing, and receiving reports back from the central station.</li><li>Concept 36. The method of Concept 35 wherein transmitting data to the central station and receiving reports back are performed over the internet.</li><li>Concept 37. A method for screening a plurality of objects, containers or persons being transported from a first location to a second location for radioactive sources carried therein or thereon, comprising: <ul id="ul0009" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li>attaching a dosimeter to each object, container, or person present at the first location, each dosimeter having an integral communications interface;</li><li>reading each dosimeter through its communications interface before the associated object, container, or person leaves the first location;</li><li>reading each dosimeter through its communications interface when the associated object, container, or person arrives at the second location.</li></ul></li><li>Concept 38. The method of Concept 37 wherein the communications interface in each dosimeter is a wired or a wireless communications interface.</li><li>Concept 39. The method of Concept 38 wherein the interface is a USB interface.</li><li>Concept 40. The method of Concept 37 wherein the dosimeters are DIS, TLD, OSL, RPL, RC, MOSFET or other passive dosimeters.</li><li>Concept 41. The method of Concept 37 further comprising transmitting data read from the dosimeters at the first and second locations to a central station.</li><li>Concept 42. A method for surveillance of an area for radioactive sources located therein, comprising: <ul id="ul0010" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li>attaching a plurality of dosimeters to persons or vehicles that move through the surveillance area, each dosimeter having an integral communications interface;</li><li>monitoring the plurality of mobile dosimeters at a reader in communication with the dosimeters.</li></ul></li><li>Concept 43. The method of Concept 42 wherein the communications interface in each dosimeter is a wired or a wireless communications interface.</li><li>Concept 44. The method of Concept 43 wherein the interface is a USB interface.</li><li>Concept 45. The method of Concept 42 wherein the dosimeters are DIS, TLD, OSL, RPL, RC, MOSFET or other passive dosimeters.</li><li>Concept 46. The method of Concept 42 wherein each dosimeter further comprises a locator device.</li><li>Concept 47. The method of Concept 42 wherein the reader is located at a central station.</li><li>Concept 48. The method of Concept 42 further comprising transmitting data from the reader to a central station.</li><li>Concept 49. A direct ion storage (DIS) radiation dosimeter package, comprising: <ul id="ul0011" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li>a housing having an aperture in an end thereof;</li><li>a frame fitting inside and slidably mounted in the housing;</li><li>a DIS radiation sensor mounted on the frame;</li><li>a data collection and data readout integrated circuit electrically connected to the DIS radiation sensor and mounted on the frame;</li><li>the data collection and data readout integrated circuit having a USB connection at one end thereof proximal to the aperture;</li><li>a base element rotatably attached to housing so that as the base element is rotated, the frame slides toward the aperture and the USB connection extends outside the aperture.</li></ul></li></ul>