Thermoluminescence properties of fluorescent materials used in commercial lamps

The dosimetric properties of eight different fluorescent materials (FM) used in production of commercial fluorescent lamps were studied by thermoluminescence (TL). Taking into account the criteria for TL phosphors to be useful for radiation dosimetry, radiation sensitivity, thermal stability, shape of the glow curves, and effect of incandescence, UV and daylight on irradiated and non irradiated material were investigated. It was observed that most of the material can be used for radiation doses from 10 mu Gy to 1 kGy. The radiation induced signal is found to be thermally very stable. The calcium halophosphates doped with Sb and Sb:Mn having a similar mineral phase as teeth and bone may be used for dosimetry in radiation therapy and diagnostics. The strontium borophosphates and barium magnesium aluminate doped with Eu were found to be sensitive to light and may be used in solar energy research