Thermoluminescent Phosphors for Radiation Dosimetry

The use of thermoluminescence (TL) as a method for radiation dosimetry of ionizing radiation has been established for many decades and has found many useful applications in various fields, such as personnel and environmental monitoring, retrospective dosimetry, medical dosimetry, space dosimetry, high-dose dosimetry. Method of preparation, studies and applications of thermoluminescence (TL) dosimetric materials are reviewed. Several high sensitivity thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) are now commercially available in different physical forms. These commercial TL dosimeters comply with a set of stringent requirements stipulated by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Specific features of TL phosphors for thermal neutron, fast neutron and high-energy charged particle (HCP) dosimetry are also considered. Some of the recent developments in the field of optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) and radiophotoluminescence (RPL) are also summarized. Comparative advantages of TL, OSL and RPL dosimeters are given. Results of recent studies of TL in nanosized materials are briefly presented. Future challenges in this field will also be discussed. Contents of Paper