Energy dependence of TLD 100 and MCP-N detectors

One of the most important characteristics of thermoluminescent detectors, if they are intended to be used in a wide range of energies, is their energy response. Thermoluminescent detectors (TLD) 100H and MCP-N, which are the commercial names of the LiF:Mg,Cu,P material, are being examined for their energy response against the well known and widely used material LiF:Mg,Ti, TLD 100. In this study the energy dependence of these materials is examined either in air or on a rod phantom. The dosemeters' energy dependence has been determined by using the ISO 4037-1 narrow spectrum series (NSS), Cs-137 and Co-60 as well as the RQR series according to IEC 61267. The relative response of TLD 100H and MCP-N at all energies is similar, indicating that the two TLD types have similar energy characteristics. The TLD 100 detectors present the same energy behaviour at the RQR series (in air and phantom configuration) with the TLD 100H and MCP-N. However, at the nearly monoenergetic NSS their relative energy response is higher showing an over response of nearly 60% at the NSS40. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.