Investigation of some commercial TLD chips/discs as UV dosimeters

Using a deuterium UV source, we have investigated the response of a number of commercially available thermoluminescence (TL) dosimeters (TLDs) to UV r adiation (UVR), including LiF:Mg, Cu, P (TLD-100H), CaF2: Dy (TLD-200), CaF 2: Mn (TLD-400), Al2O3 (TLD-500), (LiF)-Li-7: Mg, Cu, P (TLD-700 H) and CaS O4: Dy (TLD-900). The intrinsic method was used to detect UVR, while trap d epth and frequency factors were estimated using the initial rise method. We have studied TL intensity as a function of exposure time, observing high s ensitivity of TLD-500 to UVR. Conversely, TLD-400 displays weak sensitivity to these same radiations. Although TLD-900 and TLD-200 are both less sensi tive to UVR than TLD-500, they each provide a linear response to UVR. The p ossible use of these phosphors as UV dosimeters has been further appraised, examining thermal fading effects and fading due to light exposure. (C) 200 1 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.