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Electron paramagnetic resonance, thermoluminescence, and optically stimulated luminescence, with biological tissues and inert materials are well established physical methods for retrospective dosimetry in acute accidental exposures. The objective of this article is to provide a view of the questions still open, the current challenges and the needed solutions. As research on emergency response methods is encountering increasing difficulties in terms of financial and human resources in many countries, it is essential to identify the research priorities and pay attention to cost-effective research paths. The intention of the paper is to stimulate discussion in the scientific community and to encourage collaboration among laboratories toward goals that address the real needs in retrospective dosimetry for acute exposures.

The potential of the back protective glass from modern smartphones as a possible material for an emergency triage, OSL dosimeter was evaluated. Strong OSL signals were observed in samples of glass from phones of different models and brands after irradiation. Some important parameters of these signals were analyzed, namely the OSL decay curve shape, the dependence on dose, and the stability (fading) with time after exposure. Analysis of the shape suggested that the main mechanism of the OSL production is optically assisted tunneling. The dose-response characteristics demonstrated linearity in the tested dose range (0-2.7 Gy) provided that fading was accounted for during calibration irradiation. The fading after irradiation was described by a universal, two-component function with a primary component due to tunneling and a secondary, thermal component. Dose reconstruction tests were carried out for in-service phones exposed to known doses and then kept in normal usage (phone calls, texts, web surfing, etc.) as well as for out-of-service phones irradiated to blind (unknown) doses. Dose reconstruction was conducted using a custom-made OSL reader without dismantling any part of the phone. OSL-reconstructed, fading-corrected doses were within 25% (worse case) of the corresponding nominal values. It was concluded that the back protective glass can be used as an OSL emergency triage dosimeter (if protected from ambient light by a phone case).