Atomtex AT2140 / AT2140A Personal Radiation Dosimeter

Overview

The Atomtex AT2140 and AT2140A are compact, battery-powered personal radiation dosimeters engineered for continuous monitoring of ambient gamma radiation dose rate (μSv/h) and accumulated dose equivalent (μSv–Sv) in real time. Based on a scintillation detection principle using a CsI(Tl) or similar low-Z solid-state detector coupled with pulse-height discrimination electronics, these instruments operate in accordance with IEC 60846-1:2014 and ISO 4037-3 standards for photon radiation monitoring equipment. Designed for direct wearability—typically clipped to clothing or carried in a pocket—the devices deliver high reproducibility in environmental, occupational, and emergency-response contexts where rapid assessment of gamma exposure is critical. Their extended operational lifetime, robust mechanical design, and intrinsic background compensation algorithm ensure reliable performance across diverse field conditions—from nuclear facility perimeters and radiological emergency zones to educational laboratories and public health surveillance programs.

Key Features

• Simultaneous real-time measurement of ambient dose equivalent rate H’(10) and accumulated dose equivalent H(t), compliant with ICRP-74 and IAEA Safety Standards Series No. GSR Part 3.
• Two operational variants: AT2140 (up to 10 mSv/h full-scale) optimized for general environmental and occupational monitoring; AT2140A (up to 100 mSv/h full-scale) suitable for higher-intensity scenarios including first-responder use and post-incident surveying.
• Automatic background subtraction and temperature-compensated signal processing to minimize drift under variable ambient conditions.
• Acoustic and visual alarm thresholds configurable by user for both dose rate and cumulative dose, supporting customizable alert levels aligned with national regulatory limits (e.g., EURATOM Directive 2013/59, NRC Regulatory Guide 8.39).
• Low-power nighttime mode reducing display backlight intensity and sampling frequency while preserving measurement continuity—critical for multi-day deployments without battery replacement.
• Ruggedized housing rated IP40, tested for mechanical shock resistance up to 1.0 m drop onto concrete, and certified for operation across wide thermal gradients (−30°C to +60°C for AT2140A).

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The AT2140/AT2140A is calibrated against traceable ¹³⁷Cs (662 keV) and ⁶⁰Co reference sources and validated for energy response from 50 keV to 3 MeV—covering the dominant photon energies encountered in medical, industrial, and natural radionuclide environments (e.g., ⁴⁰K, ²³⁸U series, ²³²Th series). Angular dependence testing per IEC 61526 confirms ≤±25% deviation at ±60° for ¹³⁷Cs and ⁶⁰Co, and ≤±60% for low-energy ²⁴¹Am (59.5 keV), satisfying requirements for personnel dosimetry in mixed-field geometries. The instrument meets EU CE marking criteria under the Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive 2014/30/EU and the Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU. It is not intended for neutron or beta-particle dosimetry and requires no external probe or accessory for standard gamma field assessment.

Software & Data Management

Data logging functionality stores up to 1,000 timestamped measurement records internally (dose rate, dose, date/time, alarm status), accessible via USB interface using Atomtex’s proprietary PC software (compatible with Windows 10/11). Export formats include CSV and XML, enabling integration into laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and compliance reporting workflows. Audit trail features support GLP/GMP-aligned documentation: each record includes firmware version, calibration ID, and sensor status flags. While not FDA 21 CFR Part 11-compliant out-of-the-box, the device supports manual export verification and digital signature validation when used within validated institutional procedures.

Applications

• Radiation protection officers conducting routine area surveys in nuclear medicine departments, radiotherapy facilities, and research reactors.
• Environmental monitoring agencies assessing natural background variability near uranium mining sites, phosphate processing plants, or legacy contamination zones.
• Fire and civil defense units performing rapid reconnaissance during radiological dispersal device (RDD) incidents or transportation accidents involving radioactive materials.
• University physics and health physics laboratories for student-led experiments on inverse-square law verification, shielding efficacy, and dose-rate decay modeling.
• Public outreach initiatives measuring ambient radiation in schools, museums, and residential neighborhoods to support evidence-based risk communication.

FAQ

Is the AT2140/AT2140A suitable for legal dosimetry or official dose-of-record tracking?
No. These instruments are classified as radiation survey meters—not legally accredited personal dosimeters (e.g., TLD or OSL badges). They provide indicative measurements for situational awareness and preliminary screening, not regulatory-grade individual dose accounting.
Does the device require periodic recalibration?
Yes. Atomtex recommends annual calibration against certified reference sources in an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratory to maintain traceability to national standards (e.g., NIST, PTB, or CNIM). Calibration certificates include energy-dependent correction factors.
Can the AT2140A be used in high-humidity tropical environments?
Yes, provided relative humidity remains below 95% at 35°C and no condensation forms on the detector window or electronics housing. IP40 ingress protection guards against dust and vertically falling water droplets but does not guarantee submersion resistance.
What happens if the dose rate exceeds the upper limit of the selected range?
The device enters overload indication mode: the display shows “OL”, audible alerts activate continuously, and internal memory continues recording at maximum resolvable value until conditions normalize—ensuring no data gaps during transient high-exposure events.
Are firmware updates available for improved energy compensation algorithms?
Yes. Atomtex releases verified firmware revisions biannually via their support portal. Updates preserve all stored logs and retain user-configured alarm thresholds and display settings.