Thermoluminescence (TL) response for an α-ray irradiation system (241Am) was examined with quartz grains of 11–40 μm. Quartz grains of different sizes

i.e. <4 μm

4–11 μm

11–40 μm

40–74 μm and 74–100 μm

were irradiated to 2.0 Gy by γ-rays (137Cs)

before they were irradiated to different doses by the α-ray irradiation system. TL response to the quartz grain samples was measured. TL response of the quartz grains smaller than 4 μm and 11–40 μm to α-ray irradiation is the best

as the α-rays cannot penetrate quartz grains larger than 40 μm. The TL response characteristic is related with quartz grain surface area. TL responses to α-irradiation of 11–40 μm quartz and aluminum oxide grains were compared. The α-irradiation TL response of aluminum oxide (330°C) is better than the quartz (375°C).