New Millennium Frontiers of Luminescence Dosimetry

Abstract

What are the new frontiers' facing us in the new millennium with respect to luminescence dosimetry? I suggest that the first is in methodology. The fast, sensitive optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) techniques developed recently have yielded the potential for rapid environmental monitoring, multiple measurements, dose imaging, and fast readout. New vistas of applications in medical dosimetry and remote dosimetry have opened. A second frontier is literally 'out of this world'--namely, space dosimetry. Extended stays in low Earth orbit and the potential for a 1000-day mission to Mars emphasise the challenges of dosimetry in this unique radiation environment. What role does luminescence dosimetry play in this field? This talk explores the possibilities and the challenges as we seek to penetrate these new frontiers.