Recent advances in dosimetry using the optically stimulated luminescence of Al2O3:C.

This paper presents an overview of some very recent developments in optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dosimetry using aluminium oxide (Al(2)O(3):C), with special emphasis given to the work of the research group at Oklahoma State University. Some of the advances are: (i) the development of a real-time optical fibre system for in vivo dosimetry applied to radiotherapy; (ii) the development of a fibre dosimetry system for remote detection of radiological contaminants in soil; (iii) the characterisation of Al(2)O(3):C in heavy charged particle fields and the study of ionisation density dependence of the OSL from Al(2)O(3):C; and (iv) fast and separate assessment of beta and gamma components of the natural dose rate in natural sediments. These achievements highlight the versatility of the OSL technique associated with the high-sensitivity of Al(2)O(3):C for the development of new dosimetry applications.