Investigation about the thermal features of the ovens used for thermoluminescence

The present paper reports the results of an investigation carried out by the PAS-FIBI-DOSIBIO laboratory (ENEA, Casaccia, Roma) about the thermal features of the ovens used for annealing treatments of TL dosemeters. A total number of 45 commercial ovens and muffle furnaces were studied. belonging to 24 Italian Health Physics laboratories. The investigation has shown that the majority of the ovens do not possess a degree of accuracy, stability, uniformity and reproducibility suitable for their use in the field of thermoluminescence dosimetry. Practical suggestions are also given in order to reduce the effects of some of the negative characteristics found in most ovens.