LET Dependence of High Sensitivity TL Dosemeters

LET dependence of highly sensitive Al2O3:C and CaF2:Mn thermoluminescence (TL) dosemeters was investigated using glow curve analysis to determine the efficiencies of TL light production for alpha particle and neutron irradiation relative to gamma exposure. No high temperature peak, nor significant change of glow curve shape were found after irradiation by high LET (alpha and neutron) radiation. Gamma sensitivity of Al2O3:C as compared to CaF2:Mn was 6:1. However the relative TL efficiency for alpha particle irradiation of Al2O3:C was a factor of ten lower as compared to that of CaF2:Mn. Neutron sensitivity was found to be similar for the two materials. (author)