On the peculiarities of peak 4 in LiF TLD-100

A detailed study of the different glow curves that can be obtained from LiF TLD-100 is presented. This study has been made measuring glow curves after different preparation and readout conditions, and using computerized glow curve analysis to resolve individual glow peaks. In particular, the evolution of peak 4 has been carefully followed. This peak is detected with very different intensity, shape and temperature position depending on the characteristics of the cooling stage of the preparation thermal treatment, and also on the readout heating rate. After very fast cooling and also for fast readout, peak 4 is the most intense peak in the TLD-100 glow curve. The unique behaviour of peak 4 is discussed in the light of the current models for thermoluminescent processes.