What is the most efficient device used for detection of light in TLD readers?

The most efficient device for detecting light in thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) readers is the photomultiplier tube (PMT). The PMT is capable of converting light photons into an electrical signal with high sensitivity and efficiency, which is crucial in TLD applications where precise measurement of low levels of emitted light is necessary.

When the TLD material is heated, it releases stored energy in the form of light, which needs to be detected accurately to measure the amount of radiation exposure. The PMT amplifies the weak light signals produced by the thermoluminescent material, enabling the detection of even the faintest luminescence that might be emitted, thus ensuring accurate dosimetry readings.

In contrast, other devices like laser sensors, charge-coupled devices (CCDs), and photoresistors, while useful in other applications, do not match the sensitivity and amplification capabilities of PMTs for the specific requirements of TLD reading. Laser sensors are more focused on detecting specific wavelengths, CCDs are typically used in imaging rather than for low-light photon detection, and photoresistors lack the necessary speed and sensitivity for effective thermoluminescence detection. Hence, the PMT remains the preferred choice for efficiently capturing