Determination of eye lenses dose equivalent in terms of Hp(3)

The Italian radioprotection legislation requires the determination of personal dose equivalent in terms of Hp(10) and Hp(0.07) and the determination of the eye lenses dose equivalent in terms of Hp(3). Whereas the calibration of a dosemeter for the determination of Hp(10) and Hp(0.07) is feasible, the calibration of a dosemeter in terms of Hp(3) is impossible, owing to the absence of the suitable phantom and the conversion coefficients hpk(3) from air kerma to Hp(3). Using an anthropomorphic phantom for the irradiation, the aim of this work is to determine the experimental values of the conversion coefficients and to relate the result of the dosemeter worn on the forehead with the dose equivalent to the eye lenses. The study is performed in the X energy range from 30 keV to 100 keV, i.e. the one most widely used in medical practices