The effect of light on polycrystalline diamond film that was produced by chemical vapor deposition and is used as a thermoluminescent dosimeter should be considered, although some researchers have indicated that such an effect was theoretically unlikely to happen. A 15 min exposure to a normal desk light bulb induces significant thermoluminescence (TL) comparable to a 0.5 Gy exposure to high-energy photons. This light-induced TL will be saturated within 2 h. The saturated TL intensity depends on the frequency of the light and the blue light dominates. The TL peak area at a temperature of 605 K is insensitive to light but is sensitive to high-energy photons. Another peak at about 410 K is caused by light only, because the TL from the ionization radiation at the same location is bleached. The effect of light could be easily distinguished by a numerical or an experimental method. Lamps with a green lampshade or pure red lights are suggested for use as indoor light sources. To reduce the effect of light, pre-heating treatment before readout is also suggested.
Copyright 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd.