Photoinduced dimerization of thymine in microemulsion for UVB radiation exposure measurements

A dosimeter for UVB radiation was developed based on photoinduced dimerization of thymine in microemulsion. The UV absorption change of the dosimeter can be monitored spectroscopically. The sensitivity of the dosimeter can be adjusted by varying the local concentration of thymine in the microemulsion while keeping the overall concentration the same. Thus, the dosimeter can be used to measure a wide range of radiation doses with a set of tailored sample conditions. The use of such a dosimeter can provide a parameter that indicates an accumulative irradiation effect on human skin. The dosimeter potentially can be used in the development of a simplified UVB radiation index that is correlated with the permanent skin damage rather than just erythema.