Gamma ray ionizing dosimeter with a high radiation resistant CIGS solar cell

Abstract In order to apply for radiation dosimetry in decommission of the TEPCO Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, we develop the dosimeter based on CuInGaSe (CIGS) solar cell which have very high radiation tolerance, stable detection of radiation over long periods in a high-dose environment is expected. In this method, radiation generates electron–hole pairs in the absorber layer of the CIGS solar cell due to ionization, and the resulting current is measured as the detection signal. The current response of CIGS solar cells in a gamma-ray environment and characterize the dosimeter behavior. The CIGS solar cell device exhibits stable operation without degradation even in a Co-60 gamma-ray environment of 1 MGy, and its detection characteristics allow measuring dose rates from 100 mGy h −1 to 100 kGy h −1 with an approximate resolution of 10 mGy h −1 with a fast response of approximately 2 ms.