Overview
- Published in Radiation Measurements, the study by Hassna Bantan and Hiroshi Yasuda details a portable method using Gafchromic EBT4 film and smartphone imaging for rapid dose checks.
- Bench tests across iPhone and Samsung devices showed the cyan image channel delivered the most consistent dose–response.
- The kit includes a battery-powered foldable scanner and costs under $70, enabling triage where laboratory equipment is unavailable.
- Researchers note the approach trades some precision for accessibility and is meant to complement, not replace, large-scale monitoring, with protocol standardization and environmental validation in progress.
- The work gains relevance as Japan pivots back to nuclear power under the 7th Basic Energy Plan and after TEPCO began the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa restart process on January 21.