On optically stimulated luminescence properties of household salt as a retrospective dosemeter.

Thermoluminescence (TL) and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) in the UV (270-370 nm) spectral region have been investigated for five types of table salt (NaCl) available in Romanian supermarkets with a view to applying them in retrospective dosimetry. The salt samples gave bright TL signals with two main peaks at ∼100°C and at 300 or 260°C, depending on the origin of the salt and bright OSL signals under continuous stimulation with blue light. The OSL signal (stimulated at 100°C after a pre-heat of 10 s at 150°C) was used for investigations in a standard multiple aliquot procedure. The dose-response was found to be linear in the dose range investigated (up to ∼100 mGy) and the lower limit of detection for the samples varied from ∼0.01 to 14 mGy. These characteristics, along with the widespread abundance and low cost of household salt, confirm its potential as a retrospective dosemeter.