What technology does an OSL dosimeter utilize to read radiation exposure?

An OSL (Optically Stimulated Luminescence) dosimeter utilizes optical stimulation to read radiation exposure. This technology involves applying light to a material that has been previously exposed to ionizing radiation. When the dosimeter records radiation, certain electrons in the crystal structure of the dosimeter become trapped in energy levels. When exposed to specific wavelengths of light during the reading process, these electrons are stimulated to return to their normal state, releasing energy in the form of light. This released light is then measured and is directly proportional to the amount of radiation exposure the dosimeter has recorded.

Understanding how optical stimulation works is crucial because it differentiates OSL dosimeters from other types of radiation detectors. For instance, the photoelectric effect and gas ionization pertain to different mechanisms of detecting radiation and do not apply to the reading function of an OSL dosimeter. Similarly, thermal excitation does not play a role in the OSL technology, which relies instead on light to stimulate the trapped electrons. Thus, the correct choice highlights the unique and specific method that OSL technology employs for measuring radiation exposure.