Thermoluminescence properties of Mexican calcite minerals for retrospective dosimetry

The thermoluminescence (TL) properties of blue and green Mexican calcite minerals were studied for their potential application in retrospective dosimetry. X-Ray diffraction and Electron Probe Microanalysis were used to analyse the crystalline structure and chemical composition. Both calcites were analysed using Electron Paramagnetic Resonance to detect free radicals and transition metal ions. TL dose-response, repeatability, and fading measurements were carried out. A single aliquot regenerative (SAR) protocol was performed to recover the dose using different irradiation conditions. Both green and blue calcites showed good dosimetric properties with a linear, sublinear and supralinear behaviour between 0.1 Gy and 1000 Gy beta dose, an acceptable repeatability (<5%) and thermal stability from 1 h up to 940 h of storage. The SAR results suggested that Mexican calcite minerals could be used as retrospective dosimeters. The kinetic parameters of TL glow curve of calcites were evaluated by Initial Rise (IR) and Computerized Glow Curve Deconvolution (CGCD).