Fading test using the SAAD-POSL method for retrospective accidental dosimetry of building materials

Fading test using the single aliquot additive dose method with pulsed optically stimulated luminescence (SAAD-POSL method) was applied to core–disc samples extracted from heated red brick, tile, roof-tile, and toilet porcelain after X-ray and beta irradiation. From thermoluminescence measurements of each material, the optimal preheat condition of the SAAD-POSL method was first determined as 170 °C for 10 s. Fading characteristics of core–disc samples of heated red brick obtained using the SAAD-POSL method were similar to those of quartz grains (90–250 μm) obtained using the SAR-OSL method, regardless of the differences in the sample and radiation type. Fading evaluations of the core–disc samples of these building materials two weeks after irradiation showed that the equivalent dose (ED) decreased between 5% and 42%. The results indicate that the fading characteristics will be able to contribute to a more accurate estimation of the ED value using the SAAD-POSL method.