What advantage does a thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) have over a film badge?

• A. TLD can be read more than once.
• B. TLD is only worn one month at a time.
• C. Cheaper.
• D. More accurate.

Answer: (D)

The important point is how precise and reliable the dose measurement is when comparing thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) with film badges. A TLD works by trapping energy in a crystal when it’s exposed to radiation; when the crystal is later heated, it emits light in a way that is proportional to the absorbed dose. This readout can be tightly calibrated, with a broad linear response and less sensitivity to variations in radiation energy, making the dose estimate more accurate across a wide range of exposures. Film badges rely on photographic film that darkens in response to radiation, but the relationship between exposure and darkness can be affected by the radiation energy, the processing quality, and fading over time, which introduces more variability and less precision. Because of these factors, TLDs provide a more accurate assessment of the dose received, which is why they’re preferred for precise dose measurement. The other points—being readable more than once, wearing for a shorter period, or being cheaper—do not capture the primary advantage as effectively as accuracy does.