Abstract
Solid state radiation dosimetry systems depending upon the thermal release of stored radiation energy may be based on observation of thermoluminescence (TL), thermally stimulated exo-electron emission (TSEE) or thermally stimulated currents (TSC). The thesis begins with a brief review of the physics of solid state integrating dosimeters, and each of these three systems is then described and assessed. Following this an account is given of problems associated with the introduction of a routine TLD personnel monitoring service in a group of Scottish hospitals. Research into the design of suitable readout systems for TSEE and TSC dosimetry, and into the extent to which such systems are likely to be of practical value in the near future, is then described. The next section shows how observations of all three phenomena can contribute to an understanding of the physical processes which lead to the supralinear response of some dosimetry phosphors. Finally,investigations into a series of small problems arising in routine work in the National Health Service which have been solved by use of TL or TSEE dosimeters are reported. Throughout the thesis particular attention is paid to the associated instrumental problems, and detailed accounts are given of the TL, TSEE and TSC dosimeter readers designed for the various studies reported.