Thermoluminescence Dosimetry-Application in Environmental Monitoring

Abstract

Very soon after the introduction of the application of thermoluminescene(TL)for dosimetric purposes the method was used also for environmental monitoring.Thermoluminescence dosimetry(TLD)systems are permanently developed and improved.The aim of the present paper is to help the reader to introduce TLD for environmental monitoring.Therefore the paper describes the brief theoretical background of thermoluminescence.The elements of TLD systems,such as detectors,readers and measurement cycle including annealing,package and storage,irradia-tion,readout and mathematical evaluation are summarised.The main characteristics of various TL systems(batch homogeneity,sensitivity,reproducibility,linearity,light sensitivity,fading and energy dependence)are analysed mostly from the viewpoint of use in environmental monitoring.Special attention is given to the performance test requirements of the International Electrotechnical Committee and the importance of intercomparisons.Some environmental dosimetry applications during the last ten years are also reviewed.