Gamma-ray dosimetry errors with thermoluminescent dose meters

Gamma-ray dosimetry errors can occur when thermoluminescence dose meters (TLDs) are irradiated in thin-walled containers. An over-response has been observed for LiF TLDs, irradiated by an isotropic source, of approximately 25% for 24Na; 20% for 60Co, and 2% for 137Cs. The over-response for CaF2 TLDs was found to be less than the over-response of LiF TLDs. Under-response errors can occur for TLDs in thin-walled containers irradiated under narrow-beam geometry conditions because electron equilibrium is not established, but this error is well known and is not discussed in this paper. The observed over-response is attributable to electrons originating in the radiation source holder and the surrounding air that are scattered into the TLD material. This over-response is less pronounced for 137Cs gamma rays because few scattered electrons have sufficient energy to penetrate the TLD; however, for higher energy gamma rays, more electrons can panetrate the TLD, resulting in a greater dose. This effect will also be observed with any dose meter that has a small sensitive volume surrounded by a thin wall. The over-response of a dosimetry film in its paper wrapping was measured to be approximately 25% for 60Co gamma rays and 3% for 137Cs gamma rays, although this would rarely introduce an error since film dose meters are usually irradiated in a thick-walled badge. This paper presents the measured over-responses of various TLD chips for several exposure conditions and experimental results which demonstrate the cause of the over-response. (author)