Photonic Calorimeter

The calorimeter uses embedded, nanofabricated photonic sensors to enable micro-scale spatial resolution of dose (energy) distributions and gradients. It presents an alternative to thermistors used in conventional calorimeters for radiation dosimetry, comprising photonic sensors for in-situ dose and dose-gradient measurements in various materials (e.g., silicon, graphite, diamond, water, human tissue, etc.).

These new devices will have much higher spatial resolution, lower self-heating, reduced artifacts at sensor-absorber interfaces, and the capability for 2D and 3D imaging using arrays of sensors.  Improves the capability to measure dose and dose gradients (near beam penumbrae and near surfaces or material boundaries) for measuring energy deposition from beams with low penetration depth (e.g., low-energy electrons, etc.).

• Leverages inexpensive commercial communications technology and chip fabrication for inexpensive manufacturing.
• Enables absolute dosimetry with potential for unprecedented micron-scale spatial resolution across six orders of magnitude of absorbed dose, from medical diagnostic and therapeutic procedures to industrial materials processing, sterilization, and aerospace applications.