What is the definition of dose equivalent in radiation measurement?

Dose equivalent is defined as a measure that reflects the biological effect of radiation based on the absorbed dose. This concept takes into account not only the amount of energy deposited in tissue (which is the absorbed dose) but also the type of radiation and its potential to cause biological damage. It is critical to use dose equivalent when evaluating the risks associated with exposure to different types of radiation, as different radiation types (like alpha particles, beta particles, gamma rays, etc.) have varying levels of biological impact even if they deposit the same amount of energy in tissue.

Using this definition, dose equivalent is expressed in sieverts (Sv) or rems, which are units that incorporate both the energy absorbed and the quality factor. The quality factor adjusts for the differing biological effectiveness of different types of radiation. This measure is crucial for ensuring that radiation exposure is evaluated not just in terms of physical impact, but also in terms of its potential biological effects on living tissues.