How is the dose of radiation typically indicated by an OSL dosimeter?

An OSL (Optically Stimulated Luminescence) dosimeter indicates the dose of radiation through light emission. When the dosimeter is exposed to ionizing radiation, it absorbs energy and stores it within certain materials, typically aluminum oxide.

When the dosimeter undergoes optical stimulation—exposure to a specific wavelength of light—these trapped electrons are released, and as they return to their ground state, they emit light. The amount of light emitted corresponds to the amount of radiation exposure. This property allows for precise measurement of doses over a range of exposure times and environments, making OSL dosimeters a reliable choice for personal and environmental radiation monitoring.

The other options do not accurately reflect the functioning of OSL dosimeters. Sound, color change, and physical damage are not mechanisms employed by OSL dosimeters to convey radiation dose information.