Retrospective dosimetry assessment using the 380 °C thermoluminescence peak of tooth enamel

• Published in: Radiation measurements Vol. 46; no. 10; pp. 1109 - 1112
• Main Authors: Secu, C.E., Cherestes, M., Secu, M., Cherestes, C., Paraschiva, V., Barca, C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01.10.2011; Elsevier
• Subjects: Earth sciences; Earth, ocean, space; Exact sciences and technology; Geochronology; Isotope geochemistry. Geochronology; Retrospective dosimetry; Thermoluminescence; Tooth enamel; Tooth enamel; Retrospective dosimetry; Thermoluminescence; crystals; grain size; gamma rays; etching; grinding; growth; teeth; thermoluminescence; irradiation
• ISSN: 1350-4487; 1879-0925
• DOI: 10.1016/j.radmeas.2011.07.014

The thermoluminescence (TL) response to gamma-ray irradiation of tooth enamel is reported. The tooth enamel was separated from dentine by using mechanical and physico-chemical procedures followed by grinding (grain size ∼100 μm) and etching. The TL was attributed to the recombination of CO2− radicals incorporated into or attached to the surface of hydroxyapatite crystals. The growth of the ∼380 °C TL peak with absorbed dose was examined with irradiated tooth enamel samples and reconstructed doses evaluated for tooth enamel samples from four human subjects. ► Thermoluminescence response after gamma-ray irradiation of tooth enamel was investigated. ► Thermoluminescence was attributed to the recombination of CO2− radicals. ► CO2− radicals are produced inside or at the surface of hydroxyapatite crystals. ► From the growth of the 380C peak reconstructed doses have been evaluated.