An improved thermoluminescence dosimeter (TLD) system, which includes a TLD reader configured to produce data indicative of a radiation exposure, one or more dosimeters comprising a dosimeter substrate coated with a thin layer of a light-absorbing material, a light stimulation source configured to heat the dosimeter using light incident on the dosimeter coating, a light detection system to detect TL emission and an appropriately programmed computer configured to analyze data from the reader and to output data indicative of an extent of radiation exposure.