Exploring stable thermoluminescence signal in natural Barite (BaSO4) for retrospective dosimetry

•Glow peak at 608 K in Mn doped Barite.•Minimum detectable dose of 1.45±0.12 mGy with 35% fading in 30 days storage time.•Reproducible TL signal within ±5%.•Suitable for retrospective dosimetry and geochronology of young deposits extending to 20 ka.

We explore the possible use of Barite (BaSO4) for radiation dosimetry and geochronology using thermoluminescence technique. Natural Barite with Mn as an impurity has a glow peak at 608 K with a minimum detectable dose of 1.45±0.12 mGy. This peak shows ~35% fading on 30 days of storage time and is photo-bleachable with excellent reproducibility on repeated read-out. The sensitivity changes with dose and evidence of athermal fading is also seen. We infer that the signal can be used for both retrospective dosimetry and geochronology of young deposits extending to 20 ka.