Thermoluminescence characterization and kinetic parameters of eyeglass lenses for applications in retrospective/accidental dosimetry

Many researchers study the luminescence properties of objects consisting of glass, aiming to applications for retrospective/accidental dosimetry. In this context, eyeglass lenses are used globally and be worn by large portion of the population. In a case of an accident with radiation release, they can be recovered to assess the exposure dose of the general population in the vicinity of the accident. The scope of the present study is to conduct, for the first time, a detailed study of the thermoluminescence properties of eyeglass lenses along with computerized curve deconvolution analysis which would shed light on the kinetics involved to explore their suitability as dosimeters. The dose range under study is between 0.1 and 16 Gy. Results, which appear independent of the chemical composition of the lenses, indicate that the glow curves of the eyeglass lenses have overlapping peaks, while an inherent signal (zero-dose) may also appear, probably produced during the manufacturing process. The materials do not exhibit sensitization effects, and they present linear dose response for doses up to 16 Gy. A dose recovery test predicts with high accuracy an “unknown” delivered dose. The remaining signal after one-month post-irradiation is sufficient for conducting post-radiation measurements. A computerized curve deconvolution analysis (CCDA) indicates the co-existence of at least two discrete-energy traps and one continuous-distribution trap. After the TL deconvolution of the glow curves, for all doses and all eyeglass lenses, the kinetic parameters were determined for all the components. A preliminary study is also conducted towards the elimination of the unwanted inherent signal. Hydrofluoric acid presents the most promising treatment method, among two chemical methods that were applied in the present work. The results of the current study enhance the potential use of the eyeglass lenses as dosimetric probes in the case of an accident that involves radiation release and exposure of the general population. •TL of eyeglass lenses is explored towards their use in retrospective/accidental dosimetry.•TL dose response can be fitted with a linear function for the dose range 0.1–16 Gy.•A sufficient signal remains stored even 1 month after their irradiation.•Glow curves can be deconvoluted with at least two discrete-energy traps and one continuous-distribution trap.•Results are promising towards the use of eyeglass lenses as probes in accidental dosimetry.