What is the purpose of using thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD)?

Thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD) are specifically designed to assess radiation exposure by measuring ionizing radiation doses received by individuals. When the TLD is exposed to radiation, energy from the radiation is trapped in the material. Upon heating the TLD later, the trapped energy is released in the form of visible light. The intensity of the emitted light correlates to the amount of radiation exposure the dosimeter has received, allowing for quantitative assessment of dose. This capability makes TLDs a valuable tool in fields such as radiation safety in medical environments, nuclear facilities, and research labs, where accurate measurement of radiation exposure is critical for safety monitoring and regulatory compliance.

In contrast, measuring background radiation typically involves a different category of instruments designed to provide continuous monitoring rather than personal exposure assessment. Monitoring temperature changes would not involve TLDs, while calculating dosages for medical treatments relates to clinical pharmacology and does not encompass the primary function of TLDs.