New sintered thermoluminescent dosimeters for personnel and environmental dosimetry

We discuss the development of an original method preparing thermoluminescent dosimeters using magnesium borate and calcium sulfate materials activated with rare earths. This method is based upon the effect of sensitized thermoluminescent emission of basic TLD phosphors as well as on the method for producing these in solid form. Our technique resulted in unique TLD's in the form of sintered thermoluminescent dosimeters. For one of these, MgB4O7:RE+, the thermoluminescent response is up to five times more sensitive than non-sensitized magnesium borate thermoluminescent material. The other TLD, CaSO4:RE+, has dosimetric characteristics which stay unchanged and are equivalent with characteristics of the well-known calcium sulfate TLD phosphors. These new types of sintered TLD's are highly promising for personnel and environmental dosimetry.