A fibre optic laser heated TLD system has been developed for use in re
mote in vivo, in situ dosimetry. A high power, near infrared CW semico
nductor laser is used to heat TL elements at the distal end of standar
d optical fibres. Lengths of up to 200 m are feasible, with overall di
ameter as small as 1 mm. The system is multiplexed, with current capab
ility of evaluating up to five dosemeter probes in under 30 s, with ex
tension to larger numbers a trivial matter. The system is inherently i
mmune to electromagnetic interference. The small mass of the TLD eleme
nt (almost-equal-to 100 mug) provides for highly localised dose measur
ement capability. A wide variety of TLD phosphors are used for various
applications requiring high sensitivity, low fading, or a combination
of both, providing a useful dose range of 1 mGy to greater than 100 G
y. Such applications include radiotherapy dosimetry (external and inte
rnal when constructed with a sterile catheter), hazardous and remote e
nvironments, such as monitoring ground water or soils tor radioactive
contamination.