Gamma radiation dosimetry using a NaCl:Ba(T) thermoluminescent phosphor

A detailed examination is presented of the thermoluminescence (TL) characteristics of untreated and heat-treated pure and Ba-doped NaCl exposed to gamma radiation at room temperature. The NaCl:Ba (10(-2) molar fraction) phosphor quenched from 750 degrees C, designated as NaCl:Ba(T), is found to give a pronounced TL output with a well-defined glow peak around 220 degrees C (peak III) along with other peaks at lower temperatures. It is suggested that the TL centre associated with glow peak III is comprised of an impurity-vacancy dipole with a negative ion vacancy in its vicinity. The TL centres are presumed to be located in the dislocation region. The dosimetric properties of peak III after gamma irradiation have also been examined. It is observed that most of the basic requirements of an efficient TLD material are fulfilled by the phosphor