The thermoluminescent properties of natural calcium fluoride for radiation dosimetry

The characteristics of natural calcium fluoride from Cicekdagi Massif (Akcakent) in Turkey have been studied by analysing its thermoluminescence glow curve structure between 30 and 450 degrees C for the purpose of radiation dosimetry. A variety of thermoluminescence measurement regimes have been examined to determine the most effective and appropriate annealing temperature, heating rate and dose range for the proper and accurate use of this phosphorescent material. After a high temperature annealing as TL readings, optimum values for low temperature annealing and heating rate were obtained as 60 degrees C for 24 h and 1 degrees C s(-1), respectively. In the dose range of 0.5 Gy-1 kGy, the intensity of individual glow peaks and overall glow curve shape changed. The peak intensities of all glow curves located at 100 and 120 degrees C (overlapping considerably), and at 215 degrees C, at 310, 350 and 410 degrees C (overlapping) increase linearly with increasing ionizing radiation over a range of from 0.5 Gy to 10 Gy. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.