Thermoluminescence response of CR-39 to β-particles and γ-rays

The thermoluminescence (TL) response of the CR-39 polymer to β-particles and γ-rays has been investigated. The results indicate that CR-39 is capable of being used for dosimetry purposes. Two TL glow peaks have been observed: at ∼1350C and ∼2420C. In the case of β-irradiation, the TL response of the low-temperature peak (at ∼1350C) increases linearly with imparted dose up to ∼4 kGy, beyond which it tends towards a saturation level; for the high-temperature peak (at ∼2420C), the linearity extends to ∼21 kGy. When CR-39 is exposed to γ-rays, it is found, in general, that the TL output increases with dose at both peaks, up to 45 kGy (the maximum dose used in this investigation). Annealing of CR-39 (for 1 hr at 1500C) prior to irradiation is found to sensitize the TL response at the 2420C peak by a factor of over 102. The effect of dose rate on the response of CR-39 to γ-rays is also presented. (author)