This invention relates generally to luminescence techniques for imaging radiation fields and, more specifically, to the use of experimental and mathematical methods to distinguish between dynamic irradiation and static - or other abnormal radiation - exposure conditions for applications in personnel and environmental radiation dosimetry, or related fields. In more particular, the instant invention provides a rapid and reliable method of detecting abnormal dosimeter exposure conditions over a wide dynamic range of radiation doses, while avoiding significant background interference and stimulation light leakage. Additionally, the preferred embodiment of the instant invention uses a pulsed and synchronized luminescence detection scheme. Further, this invention teaches a complete method and system for abnormal exposure detection - including the use of a luminescent thin powder layer, the use of a periodic radiation absorbing filter, the pulsed stimulation and synchronized luminescence detection scheme, and the method of analyzing and interpreting the recorded images. Finally, the system provides a means of mathematically characterizing an image as containing either a normal or abnormal exposure.