The β-ray energy and angular response of the EYE-D™ eye-lens dosemeter

Following the recent ICRP recommendation to decrease the limit of occupational exposure to the eye lens from 150 mSv to 20 mSv/year, a dedicated individual eye-lens dosemeter, EYE-D™, was developed at the IFJ PAN. This dosemeter uses MCP-N (LiF:Mg,Cu,P) thermoluminescent detectors covered with a polyamide capsule and was so far optimized to achieve a flat photon energy and angular response for X-ray exposures typical in interventional radiology. To verify the applicability of this eye-lens dosemeter in external β-ray fields which arise, e.g. in nuclear medicine procedures, we measured and calculated its β-ray energy and angular response. Measurements, applying β-rays from Sr-90/Y-90 isotope, were performed at the Beta Secondary Standard type 2 (BSS 2) in CLOR. Calculations, using the PENELOPE Monte Carlo transport code which simulates coupled electron and photon transport in arbitrary materials, were performed for P-32, K-42 and Sr-90/Y-90 fields to simulate doses received by the eye lens within the human body. PENELOPE Monte Carlo transport code was also used to calculate doses received with EYE-D™ detectors. We found good agreement between the measured and calculated energy and angular responses which confirms the suitability of this dosemeter in assessing Hp(3) to estimate the eye lens. Obtained results and conclusions, however preliminary, conform with current ICRP recommendations when performing individual radiation protection dosimetry in external β-ray fields occurring in nuclear industry and nuclear medicine activities. -- Highlights: •The applicability of EYE-D™ eye-lens dosemeter in external β-ray fields have been investigated. •Measurements and calculations β-ray energy and angular response of EYE-D™ have been performed. •A comparison of calculations results with experimental data is presented. •Obtained results confirmed the suitability of this dosemeter in assessing Hp(3) to estimate the eye lens