Tetrazolium salt monomers for gel dosimetry I: Principles

Tetrazolium salts (TS) have been previously used for radiochromic dosimetry in solutions, films and three dimensional (3D) gelatine-based gels. However, widespread application for 3D dosimetry has not been achieved due to the required high concentrations and associated high costs of the TS dimer used in prior research. Through careful selection of TS monomer, sensitivity-enhancing additives and inert gel forming material, we report the preparation of a non-diffusing, chemically stable, 3D dosimeter with linear sensitivity between 0 and 80 Gy with submillimolar requirements for the active TS.