Abstract: Apparatus and method for qualitatively and quantitatively analyzing a complex radiation field are provided. A passive microdosimetry detector device records the energy deposition of incident radiation using an array of microstructure non-volatile memory devices. Each microstructure non-volatile memory device is capable of storing a predetermined initial charge without requiring a power source. A radiation particle incident to a microstructure non-volatile memory device is termed an "event". Each such event may generate a charge within a sensitive volume defined by the microstructure non-volatile memory device. The charge generated within the sensitive volume alters the stored initial charge by an amount falling within a range corresponding to the energy deposited by certain particle types. Data corresponding to such charge alterations for a plurality of microstructure non-volatile memory devices within an array of such devices are presented to a qualitative analyzing device.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for qualitatively and quantitatively analyzing a complex radiation field are provided. A microdosimetry device is provided having an array of microstructure parallel p-n junctions. Each junction defines a predetermined sensitive volume within which a voltage pulse is produced responsive to incident radiation. Circuitry in communication with the detector array generates digital pulse signals representative of the voltage pulses induced within the sensitive volumes responsive to incident radiation, and further provides a summation of the digital pulses occurring at particular energies. The summations of digital pulses are compared to known energies generated by known ionizing particles in comparable sensitive volumes to generate an dose equivalent estimate. Apparatus and method for calculating the total dose from an incident radiation field may also be included.