Heating Rate Optimization for Enhanced Precision in Thermoluminescent Dosimetry.

Abstract

Abstract: This study investigates the impact of heating rates, ranging from 1 °C s⁻1 to 20 °C s⁻1, on the precision of integrated peak counts determined using various thermoluminescent dosimeter materials. Lower heating rates influence precision due to prolonged integration of signal noise, while higher heating rates affect precision by pronounced thermal quenching effects. Using time-temperature profiles constructed with a linear heating ramp and a constant hold at maximum temperature, a range of heating rates was evaluated to identify an optimal condition that minimizes variance in integrated peak counts resulting from these effects. In addition, kinetic parameters of glow peaks were determined through peak deconvolution of each glow curve obtained and analyzed as a function of heating rate, with observed trends fit to appropriate models. These results were then compared to trapping parameters - namely the activation energy and frequency factor - independently extracted using the variable heating rate method to assess consistency across techniques. The results indicate that peak temperatures and intensities exhibit strong exponential dependence on heating rate, while activation energies and frequency factors show weak linear correlations. Trapping parameters obtained using the variable heating rate method fell within the range of values derived from peak deconvolution, supporting consistency between the two approaches. An optimal heating rate of 4 °C s⁻1 was identified for minimizing variance in integrated peak counts across all dosimeter types tested. Both noise and thermal effects were shown to influence measurement variance, with thermal quenching effects having a more pronounced impact at higher heating rates. Additional factors affecting precision included dosimeter material, glow peak temperature, and overall glow curve complexity. These findings enhance the understanding of thermoluminescent dosimeter behavior and highlight the importance of optimizing the heating rate for improved measurement reliability.