Advantages and challenges of high-dose thermoluminescent detectors

The current status of high-dose luminescent detector investigations is discussed. The examples of successful applications of various materials for medium and high-dose luminescent detector creation are presented. High-dose irradiation effect on luminescence of TLD-500 (α-Al2O3:C) detectors has been described. The challenges of detector properties restoration after high-dose irradiation are considered. •The examples of the materials for the high-dose luminescent detectors have been made.•TL change in TLD-500 detectors after high dose γ-radiation has been shown.•Using TL deep traps it is possible to measure the absorbed dose up to 100 kGy.•Heating (900° C, 1 h) of highly irradiated TLD-500 detectors restore their initial properties.