Turnbull Blue Gel (TBG) evaluation as optical dosimeter

The radiochromic Turnbull Blue Gel (TBG) is sensitive to X- and γ-rays. When exposed to high-energy radiation, TBG can simulate biological tissues, so this gel has potential use in ionizing radiation dosimetry. After irradiation, the yellow TBG changes to the blue Turnbull Blue dye. This work aims to evaluate how TBG responds to exposure to ultraviolet, visible, and infrared radiation from the sun. The gel was irradiated with a solar simulator, which sensitized TBG and transformed it into the Turnbull Blue dye; a change in the optical absorption ensued. The fluence values delivered by the source did not provide a linear response, but it was still possible to use TBG as an optical dosimeter. In conclusion, TBG can be applied to detect solar radiation because it is sensitive enough to measure sun exposure values at time intervals of few minutes. (paper)