The effect of doses, irradiation temperature, and doped impurities in the thermoluminescence response of NaCl crystals

The interactions between ionizing gamma-radiation and two alkali halide single crystals, NaCl doped with Cd2+ (0.5 mol %) or Mn2+ (0.087 mol %), were analyzed for their possible use as low dose dosimeters. For that purpose, two irradiation temperatures (298 K and 77 K) and different doses at a fix dose rate were studied. The irradiated crystals were analyzed using their thermoluminescence and optical absorption properties.The F-centers formed in these crystals were measured as a function of the dose. The production of irradiation defects in the solid were correlated with the glow curve. Bleaching the F-centers produced a decrease in the peak of the glow curve, suggesting that F centers are intimately involved in the production of the thermoluminescence phenomenon. For the NaCl crystals doped with Cd, the area under the peak observed in the glow curves (associated to very deep traps) changes uniformly in the 1.15–13.8 Gy dose intervals, making this crystal a candidate for use as a dosimeter in low dose intervals.

► The gamma irradiation of single crystals of NaCl doped with Cd or Mn were studied.
► The bleaching of the F-centers produced a decrease of the peak of the glow curve.
► Crystals of NaCl:Cd can be use as a dosimeter at low radiation doses.