Use of the D-Shuttle dosimeter for radiation protection of members of the public: Characterization and feasibility study

The objective of this study was to characterize the latest version of the electronic D-Shuttle dosimeter (Chiyoda Technol Corp., Tokyo, Japan) for potential use in dosimetry of members of the public. The investigations comprise: (a) reproducibility, batch homogeneity, dose linearity, dose rate and angle dependence, and radiation hardness using irradiations at the secondary standard dosimetry laboratory of the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI); (b) estimation of the environmental dose rate and its variability; and (c) feasibility tests for guests at PSI (short-term researchers). The performed verification measurements showed overall a good reproducibility, maximum 1.4% standard deviation (sd) per dosimeter, and maximum 1.0% sd for 5 dosimeters, in agreement with the manufacturer's specifications. The deviation from linearity was 0.5–1 mSv/h was well described by an inverse polynomial function.•No influence of a high dose irradiation (16.37 Sv) in subsequent low dose measurements was observed.•High sensitivity and hourly information was shown to be useful to investigate exposures of members of the public.