What is the principle of operation of a dosimeter?

The principle of operation of a dosimeter is based on its ability to detect changes in material properties in response to radiation exposure. When a dosimeter is exposed to ionizing radiation, the radiation interacts with the materials within the dosimeter, causing changes that can be quantified. These changes may include alterations in the physical or chemical characteristics of the dosimeter's sensing material, such as color changes in film dosimeters or changes in electrical properties in semiconductor dosimeters.

This detection mechanism allows the dosimeter to record the cumulative dose of radiation exposure over time. Some dosimeters, like thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs), store energy from the radiation that can later be released as light when heated, revealing the amount of radiation the device has accumulated. Others, like electronic personal dosimeters, utilize semiconductor materials that produce a measurable electronic signal corresponding to the ionizing radiation detected.

In contrast, computing average radiation levels focuses on measuring radiation exposure over time rather than the inherent changes in materials. Amplifying radiation signals and emitting protective radiation are functionalities more associated with different types of radiation detection and shielding devices, rather than the primary function of a dosimeter, which is to monitor and record accumulated radiation exposure through changes in material properties. This highlights the unique role