Pen ink as an ultraviolet dosimeter

Downs, Nathan and Turner, Joanna and Parisi, Alfio and Spence, Jenny (2008) Pen ink as an ultraviolet dosimeter. Teaching Science, 54 (4). pp. 41-44. ISSN 1449-6313

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Abstract

A technique for using highlighter ink as an ultraviolet dosimeter has been developed for use for secondary school aged children. The technique requires students to measure the percentage of colour fading in ink drawn onto strips of paper that have been exposed to sunlight which can be calibrated to measurements of the ultraviolet irradiance using an inexpensive and readily available pocket sized meter. The concepts introduced in the article provide students with simple computer image processing and scientific measurement skills that enhance understanding of the ultraviolet environment. The methods presented in this article allow school students to make accurate measurements of personal ultraviolet exposures using self made and calibrated ultraviolet dosimeters which until now have not been readily available to schools.

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Item Type:	Article (Commonwealth Reporting Category C)
Refereed:	Yes
Item Status:	Live Archive
Additional Information:	Published Version deposited with blanket permission of the publisher.
Faculty / Department / School:	Historic - Faculty of Sciences - Department of Biological and Physical Sciences
Date Deposited:	21 May 2009 02:10
Last Modified:	02 Jul 2013 23:13
Uncontrolled Keywords:	ultraviolet dosimeter; calibration; school activity
Fields of Research :	13 Education > 1302 Curriculum and Pedagogy > 130212 Science, Technology and Engineering Curriculum and Pedagogy 02 Physical Sciences > 0299 Other Physical Sciences > 029904 Synchrotrons; Accelerators; Instruments and Techniques 04 Earth Sciences > 0401 Atmospheric Sciences > 040103 Atmospheric Radiation
Socio-Economic Objective:	E Expanding Knowledge > 97 Expanding Knowledge > 970102 Expanding Knowledge in the Physical Sciences
URI:	http://eprints.usq.edu.au/id/eprint/4885

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