On the advantages and disadvantages of optically stimulated luminescence dosimetry and thermoluminescence dosimetry

The use of thermoluminescence as a method for the dosimetry of ionising radiation has been established for many decades and has been unquestionably successful. It is therefore difficult to imagine how any new technique could easily supplant it. Perhaps optically stimulated luminescence dosimetry should not be characterised as an entirely new technique, but rather a development of the well established technology that may be considered superior in some respects. As is obvious from the tenor of this debate, our two participants are longtime colleagues who have had numerous discussions on this topic. No doubt, many of us will have similar discussions in our own institutions as we weigh the advantages and disadvantages of TLD versus OSL.