Comparison of the effects of exposure to light in Harshaw LiF:Mg,Ti and LiF:Mg,Cu,P

The response of thermoluminescence dosemeters (TLDs) to light, in various conditions, has been studied. TLD cards containing both conventional lithium fluoride (LiF:Mg,Ti) and the high-sensitivity material LiF:Mg,Cu,P were available, so permitting a comparison between the two types. Also available for the tests were Harshaw extremity EXT-RAD (LiF:Mg,Cu,P) dosemeters. The LiF:Mg,Ti body TLD cards and the EXT-RAD extremity dosemeters both showed some response to fluorescent light, while the LiF:Mg,Cu,P cards showed no significant response. It is therefore concluded that LiF:Mg,Cu,P body cards need no special precautions to protect them from the effects of light. For LiF:Mg,Ti cards and extremity dosemeters, effects are small, but steps to avoid excessive light exposure should be considered.