Performance of the Harshaw DXT-RAD (TLD-100) dosemeter

The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) has type-tested the Harshaw DXT-RAD dosemeter against the International Standard ISO 12794:2000(E) ‘Individual thermoluminescence dosemeters for extremities and eyes’ [International Organization for Standardization, 2000. International Standard ISO 12794:2000(E). Nuclear energy—radiation protection—individual thermoluminescence dosemeters for extremities and eyes]. The tests carried out included batch homogeneity, reproducibility, linearity, detection threshold, environmental stability (temperature, humidity and light), self irradiation, isotropy, energy response, dose–rate response and neutron response. The DXT-RAD dosemeter satisfied all the requirements of ISO 12794:2000(E), with the exception of its response at low photon energies and intermediate beta energies. However, it should be noted that other forms of the DXT-RAD dosemeter with a thinner entrance window are available to give an improved response to low-energy radiations.