The phosphor Li2B4O7: Cu (0.03% by weight) has an effective atomic number of 7.3, which is very similar to that of tissue (7.4). This suggests that the phosphor should have excellent properties for thermoluminescent dosimetry. The phosphor prepared by a sintering method shows two glow peaks composed of a dosimetric peak at 205 degrees C and a shoulder at 120 degrees C, and a broad emission band peaking at 368 nm. The material based on the stoichiometric compound of Li2O . 2B2O3 has a good moisture resistant property. The dosimetric characteristics are as follows: (1) The sensitivity of gamma rays is about 20 times higher than that of Li2B4O2: Mn prepared by the conventional melting method. (2) The dosimetry peak of 205 degrees C fades less than 9% in intensity at 25 degrees C after 60 days in dark. (3) The TL output is linear with exposure to about 10(5) R, becoming sublinear above it. (4) The sensitivity loss caused by humidity is about 10-25% after 2-6 months of storage in air of 90% relative humidity at 25 degrees C. (5) The energy dependence of TL output for photons is flat within the limit of 10% from 40 keV to 7 MeV. (6) The light induced fading is 10% after 3 h room lighting at 1000 lux.