In a TLD dosimeter, what does exposure to radiation correlate with?

In a thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD), the exposure to radiation correlates primarily with the number of light photons emitted when the dosimeter is heated. When radiation interacts with the lithium fluoride crystals within the dosimeter, it creates electron-hole pairs that become trapped in defects within the crystal lattice. When the dosimeter is subsequently heated, these trapped electrons are released, and as they return to their ground state, they emit light in a process known as thermoluminescence.

The intensity of the emitted light is directly proportional to the amount of radiation the TLD was exposed to. Thus, a higher radiation dose leads to more electron trapping and, consequently, more light photons being emitted upon heating. This principle allows for the quantification of radiation exposure based on the emitted light, which is measured and used to determine the dose received.

Understanding this concept is crucial for interpreting readings from a TLD and applying them in practical scenarios, such as monitoring occupational exposure to radiation in medical and industrial settings.