title: Practical considerations for TLD-400/700-based gamma ray dosimetry for BNCT applications in a high thermal neutron fluence.
abstract: Operating experience with thermoluminescent dosimeters used in a boron neutron capture therapy research project is reported. In particular, certain facets of the use of thermoluminescent dosimeters for gamma ray dose measurements in the presence of a high thermal neutron fluence are discussed, including a comparison of TLD-400 and TLD-700 for gamma ray dosimetry, annealing procedures, and the effects of neutrons (56Mn activation) on TLD-400. The TLD-400 were observed to have a thermal neutron sensitivity (due to 56Mn beta decay) of 1.5 x 10(-13) Gy per n cm-2. An algorithm was developed to correct for the 56Mn beta decay thermal neutron-induced effects on TLD-400 by using a two-stage thermoluminescent readout for the thermoluminescent dosimeter chips.
mesh_terms: D016754:Boron Neutron Capture Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D005720:Gamma Rays; D006801:Humans; D008163:Luminescent Measurements; D008345:Manganese; D008433:Mathematics; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009502:Neutrons; D011868:Radioisotopes; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D015203:Reproducibility of Results
chemical_list: D011868:Radioisotopes; D008345:Manganese