Thermal neutron response of the Li2B4O7:Cu TL dosimeter

A measurement of the thermal neutron response of the Li₂B₄O₇:Cu TLD has been conducted. The results obtained using the Panasonic UD-806 dosimeter and UD-854A holder yield a free-in-air response of 3.3±0.1 R ⁶⁰Co equivalent per mSv of thermal neutrons. A thermal neutron response of over 7 R ⁶⁰Co equivalent per mSv was observed when the dosimeter was irradiated on water phantoms. The high sensitivity may result in a substantial overestimate of the gamma dose equivalent if the TLD is used in a mixed neutron and gamma environment of unknown ratio. Measurements of the Li₂B₄O₇:Cu glow curve, TL saturation curve and the thermal neutron response dependence of the dosimeter filtration thickness are also presented.