Elimination of the residual signal in LiF:Cu,Mg,P

A. Horowitz, Y. S. Horowitz

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

29 Scopus citations

Abstract

The relative intensity of the residual signal (ratio of the second readout to first readout) is an important parameter in the application of 'unannealed' TL materials in personnel and environmental dosimetry. Previous studies have indicated a significant residual in LiF:Cu,Mg,P (GR-200, Beijing); 2-3% following 240°C for 10s readout and 3% following even 270°C readout. These residual signals arise from a high temperature peak at approximately 270°C in GR-200 with an intensity of approximately 7-25% relative to the main dosimetry peak. We have continued our multi-parameter investigation of the LiF:Cu,Mg,P preparation technique with a view to minimising the residual signal. Conventional preparation techniques lead to a material with a TL sensitivity 35 ± 4 (1 SD) greater than that of LiF:Mg,Ti (TLD-100, Harshaw), with a residual signal of 4-5% following 240°C for 10s readout. Incorporation of oxygen in the melt suppresses the high temperature TL and leads to a residual signal of 2-3% with no loss of sensitivity in the main dosimetric peak. It is also possible to prepare a material (SSD-NR) with a sensitivity 17 ± 2 (1 SD) times greater than that of TLD-100 but with a residual signal of only 0.25-0.5% following 240°C for 10s readout. This negligible residual is achieved via almost total elimination of the high temperature peak and renders the material usable in unannealed form. The chemical configuration of the incorporated phosphorus has an important influence on both the TL sensitivity and the residual signal. The number of OH- groups attached to the phosphorus atom seems also to have a direct influence on the main peak sensitivity indicating that these ions play a role in the TL mechanism.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)265-269
Number of pages5
JournalRadiation Protection Dosimetry
Volume40
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jan 1992
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Radiation
  • Radiological and Ultrasound Technology
  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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