Comparison of time effects, decision limit and residual signal in Harshaw LiF:Mg,Ti and LiF:Mg,Cu,P.

The personal dosimetry service of the UK Health Protection Agency--formerly of the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB)--is currently commissioning a body thermoluminescence dosemeter (TLD) system based on the use of Harshaw 8800 readers and two-element cards. As part of the process, studies have been carried out into the long-term time dependence of response, the limit of detection and the magnitude of the signal remaining after recommended processing. TLD cards containing both conventional lithium fluoride (LiF:Mg,Ti) and the high-sensitivity material LiF:Mg,Cu,P were available, thus allowing a comparison between the two types of material.