Comparison of Radiation Response of LiF:MgCuP and A12O3:C Thermoluminescent Dosimeters

Abstract : A study was conducted comparing the properties of two types of thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs): LiF:MgCuP (TLD-100H) and Al2O3:C (TLD-500). This was done in order to determine which is better suited for the dosimetry requirements of the Radiation Effects Group at DREO (RE/DREO). The dose and energy response of the TLDs were measured by exposing them to a wide range of photon doses and energies. In addition, the sensitivity of the TLDs to fast and thermal neutrons was determined with a PuBe source. Fading and background detection were also studied. The TLD-100H dosimeter was found to be slightly more tissue-equivalent in its energy response but the TLD-500 spanned a larger dose range. In addition, TLD-500 had a desirable insensitivity to thermal neutrons. The effect of fading and response to background were similar in the two types of TLD. The TLD-500 dosimeter was found to be better suited to the environments employed by the RE/DREO.