The European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) puts its trust in the dosimetry equipment of the Finnish company Rados Technology Oy for measuring radiation and protecting its employees. A method that the company has developed has been patented worldwide.

Rados Technology, which is well-known worldwide in the dosimetry sector, made a cooperation agreement with CERN in 2005. Dosimeters measuring beta and gamma radiation have been developed in Finland and supplied for the lapel of every employee at CERN who has to work with radiation. The cooperation still continues.

A dosimeter measures a radiation dosage and is used by those working in a radiation-monitored e.g. in nuclear power plants and in hospitals. The device monitors employees’ radiation dosage, which must not exceed the limits prescribed for it.

“With an instrument that Rados has developed the user can follow the amount of radiation almost in real time. Earlier monitoring was only possible with a delay,” says CEO Timo Salomaa.

Well-known brand

The dosimeters supplied to CERN are based on Direction Ion Storage technology that came into being as a result of intensive research and development by Rados.

“The technology, which has been patented worldwide, is the most revolutionary method for measuring ionizing radiation since the 1950s,” Salomaa says.

Rados produces not only personal dosimeters but also portable radiation-measurement devices and area-monitoring systems. In addition to research centres and the nuclear power industry, customers also include civil authorities and hospitals.

More than 60 per cent of the European nuclear industry uses Rados products. In all, they are being used by more than one hundred nuclear power plants around the world. More than 80 per cent of the production is exported.

For the police and 007

Because of growing threats and a feeling of increased insecurity, the market for electronic dosimetry has multiplied enormously in the United States in particular in the past few years. For example, every single policeman in New York is equipped with a Rados dosimeter.

The dosimeters have even made an appearance in one of the James Bond films. Not so long ago the producer of The World is not Enough got in touch with Rados and asked whether it would be possible to hire a dosimeter for the film. The two parties concluded a deal and sure enough there is a scene in the film where Bond grabs a Rados dosimeter as he dashes into a tunnel.

>> www.rados.com

Rados Technology’s expertise flows from the strong technological background and innovations. (Photo: Rados Technology Oyj)