ASTM E1956-98

1.1 This practice covers procedures for the use of thermoluminescence dosimeters (TLDs) utilized as routine dosimeters to determine the absorbed dose in a material irradiated by ionizing radiation. Examples of materials useful as TLDs include LiF, CaF₂, CaSO₄, Li₂B₄O₇ and Al₂O₃. Although some elements of the procedures have broader application, the specific area of concern is radiation processing of materials such as blood products, food, and insects for sterile release programs. This practice is applicable to the measurement of absorbed dose in materials irradiated by gamma rays, X rays, and electrons. Source energies covered are from 0.1 to 50 MeV photons and electrons. The range of absorbed dose covered is approximately from 1 to 10⁵ Gy (10² to 10⁷ rad), and the range of absorbed dose rates is approximately from 10^-2 to 10¹⁰ Gy/s (1 to 10¹² rad/s). Absorbed dose and absorbed dose-rate measurements in materials subjected to neutron irradiation are not covered in this practice.

1.2 Procedures for the use of TLDs for determining absorbed dose in radiation-hardness testing of electronic devices are given in Practice E 668.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.