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

Abstract

Referring to the proposition for this debate, it is necessary to consider what is meant by 'optimise personal thermoluminescence dosimetry measurements'. Much research has been performed on the thermoluminescence glow curves that can be used to determine absorbed dose, and much of the knowledge gained from this research has been put into practice. Thermoluminescence dosemeters are capable of measuring an extremely wide range of doses and dose rates. Nearly all types of radiation can be measured, and some TL dosemeters have been designed to function as elementary spectrometers. More recently, the microdosimetric properties of TL dosemeters have been investigated. TL dosemeters are worn by a large proportion of radiation workers worldwide. But, can we conclude that thermoluminescence dosimetry measurements are at an optimum level? Perhaps that is not a fair question because it may be impossible to say when anything is truly optimum. Although the techniques pointed out by our debaters may not yet be used by all large, personal dosimetry services, as with many recent innovations, implementation may be as near as the next computer chip upgrade.