Light induced fading in the OSL response of Al2O3:C

We are reporting the results of an investigation designed to determine the magnitude of the light induced fading associated with the OSL response of Al2O3:C. Unlike previous studies where bare, radiation sensitive OSL elements were exposed directly to light, most of the experiments described here were conducted using sealed commercially available OSL dosimeters. During light exposure the OSL sensitive elements were kept inside a standard commercially available plastic badge. A commercial OSL system was used for these experiments in an attempt to simulate typical field use conditions. Both light induced signal and light induced fading were considered, however no measurable light induced signal could be identified. Light induced fading effects, however, were significant, up to 55% loss of OSL signal following daylight exposure of 45 days. The possibility that dose information may be easily erased, intentionally or accidentally, could impose significant restrictions on the ability of the US Navy to defend, if needed, the reported personnel dose levels.