A pocket-size broadband electric field detection and storage device
The radio-frequency (RF) dosimeter developed by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory is described. It is a portable, pocket-sized, cumulative-dose recording device designed to detect and record the strengths and durations of electric fields present in the work areas of naval vessels. The device measures an integrated dose and records the electric fields that exceed the permissible levels set by the American National Standards Institute. Features of the RF dosimeter include a frequency range of 30 MHz to 10 GHz and a three-dimensional sensor. Data obtained with the RF dosimeter will be used to determine the ambient field-strength profile for shipboard personnel over an extended time. Readings are acquired and averaged over a 6-min period corresponding to the rise time of the core body temperature. These values are stored for up to 6 months, after which the data are transferred to a computer by means on the dosimeter's serial port.<<ETX>>