What material is used as a sensing component in thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD)?

Thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) utilize materials that exhibit thermoluminescence, which is the property of certain substances to emit light when they are heated after being exposed to ionizing radiation. Lithium fluoride is the most commonly used sensing material in TLDs because of its high sensitivity and favorable energy response characteristics.

When lithium fluoride is irradiated, it traps some of the energy from the radiation within its crystalline structure. Upon heating the TLD, this trapped energy is released in the form of light, which can then be measured to determine the amount of radiation exposure.

The properties of lithium fluoride make it particularly effective for a wide range of radiation types and energy levels, which is essential for accurately assessing dose in various applications, including medical and environmental monitoring. Other materials mentioned, such as calcium sulfate, strontium aluminate, and cadmium telluride, do not demonstrate the same level of efficiency or effectiveness as a TLD sensor under standard conditions. While they may be involved in other applications of radiation detection, they are not the primary materials used in thermoluminescent dosimetry.