Use of low temperature methods with optically stimulated luminescence for measuring ionizing radiation doses

A new method of cooled optically stimulated luminescence (COSL) based on CaF2:Mn crystals has become the subject of numerous studies carried out by the Pacific Northwest Laboratory in the United States. The method has developed and expanded the feasibility of measuring ionizing radiation doses based on a classical phenomenon of thermoluminescence. Much greater sensitivity of the new method allows to measure doses of 10 microR order. A manifold reading of a given dosimeter is also feasible. That facilitates the elimination of doubtful readings. The reading of a dose from the dosimeter and cleaning for its reuse is performed in temperatures not higher than room temperature. Therefore, dosimeters in the form of powder embedded in a plastic matrix which imitates live tissue, can be easily used, whereas thermoluminescence method would cause melting of a dosimeter during its reading. The authors made an attempt to get acquainted the reader with extremely interesting method for measuring ionizing radiation doses. (author). 7 refs, 7 figs