Development of a mechanically resistant fluorite-based pellet to be used in personal dosimetry

The Laboratory of Dosimetry of the University of Sao Paulo performs the external individual monitoring of workers exposed to X and gamma rays applying thermoluminescence (TL) technique. Two types of detectors are used in this service: TLD-100 (LiF:Mg,Ti) and pellets made with natural green fluorite cold pressed with sodium chloride as agglutinant (CaF2:NaCl). Due to the mechanical fragility of the CaF2:NaCl pellet, a new detector has been developed using a commercial adhesive as a binding agent aiming to increase the mechanical resistance. TL properties of the new designed pellet were investigated aiming the use in personal dosimetry and the substitution of the currently in use detectors. Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) measurements were also performed in order to find its potential use as an OSL dosimeter.