Theory of thermoluminescence

This paper reviews the physics of the phenomenon of thermoluminescence (TL) related to dosimetric applications. Basic concepts are given using the one trap-one recombination centre model. In spite of its simplicity the kinetics of this model appears very useful in the understanding all fundamental features of the luminescence production and provides a framework to interpret many observations. The efficiency in the distinct steps in the luminescence production (production electron-hole pairs, trapping, transfer, recombination and emission) are described and discussed in view of the efficiency of known TL materials. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.