A new manufacturing process to obtain thermoluminescent dosimeters using sol-gel method

Abstract

A new manufacturing process using sol-gel method to obtain themoluminescent dosimeters-TLDs is described. A LiF/SiO2 thermoluminescent dosimeter in the form of reusable solid chip was prepared using an acid-catalyzed sol-gel process, with tetramethoxysilane (TMOS) and LiF powder as precursors. In comparison with the manufacturing process of typical lithium fluoride based dosimeters, the method optimizes the manufacturing process. The new dosimeter has a dose response over a dose range varying from 0.1 Gy to ~160 Gy and can be used to detect higher doses using the typical commercial TLD readers without special adjustments. Furthermore, the process may be used for the preparation of other TLDs using a simple chemical processing.