The use of computerised glow curve analysis will optimise personal thermoluminescence dosimetry measurements. Favouring the proposition.

Abstract

Personal dosimetry is normally a regulated activity whose results must comply with established accuracy requirements. Although these requirements may not be extremely stringent, it is important to note that there are many factors influencing accuracy and therefore influencing results. These include the energy and angular dependence of dose equivalent response, signal reproducibility, stability and fading, along with other influence factors that tend to complicate the correct measurement of the low doses usually encountered in the monitoring of radiation workers. The statistical uncertainty associated with the measurement of dose equivalent in the workplace is dependent upon the reproducibility of the many conditions, and in the case of the readings produced by thermoluminescence (TL) dosemeters the analysis of the rather complex TL signals can be a source of uncertainty. Glow curve analysis may offer a method for reducing uncertainties, but it must be considered whether such an analysis can be accomplished in the context of a large scale worker dosimetry programme.