Energy Levels in the Forbidden Band of the Bi4Ge3O12 Ceramics

Thermally stimulated luminescence in the Bi₄Ge₃O₁₂ ceramics and also in the ceramics of the parent components Bi₂O₃ and GeO₂ is investigated. The similarity of the curves of the thermally stimulated luminescence in bismuth germanate with the structure of eulytine Bi₄Ge₃O₁₂ and sillenite Bi₁₂GeO₂₀ is explained. The relation of the thermally stimulated luminescence band in Bi₄Ge₃O₁₂ (with a maximum at 143 K) to the disruptions in the germanium sublattice and of the thermally stimulated band (with a maximum at 187 K) to the recombination processes in the bismuth sublattice is shown. It has been established that the light sum in the Bi₄Ge₃O₁₂ ceramics is stored most effectively upon excitation by light in an energy region of 4.4 eV.     

Thermally stimulated luminescence of urine salts

We investigated thermally stimulated luminescence (TSL) of urine salts in the normal state and with oxalate, urate, and phosphate salts. We found that the presence of pathological salts leads to a decrease of TSL intensity and to the appearance of additional TLS bands with maxima at 118 and 205 K in addition to the characteristic bands at 173 and 260 K. The TLS bands are related to the urine components. The TSL intensities of urine salts of different chemical composition are compared. The thermal activation energy of the strongest TSL bands is determined. __________ Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 74, No. 4, pp. 548–551, July–August, 2007.     

Thermally stimulated luminescence studies of undoped,Cu- and Mn-doped CaSO4 compounds

Thermally stimulated luminescence (TSL) of undoped and doped CaSO₄ with activators such as Cu and Mn has been investigated. The polycrystalline samples of undoped and doped CaSO₄ are prepared by the melting method. The formation of CaSO₄ compound is confirmed by X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared studies. Scanning electron microscopic studies of CaSO₄ are also carried out.

The TSL glow curves of undoped CaSO₄, Cu- and Mn-doped CaSO₄ are studied. Comparison of the thermoluminescence (TL) intensity of the most intensive glow peak of Cu-doped CaSO₄ compound with that of undoped CaSO₄ shows that addition of Cu impurity in CaSO₄ compound enhances the TL intensity by about four times. However, the addition of Mn impurity to undoped CaSO₄ increases the TL intensity by about three times when compared with that of undoped CaSO₄. The TL-dose dependence of all three samples was studied and was observed to be almost linear in the studied range of irradiation time. Among the samples studied, namely undoped CaSO₄ and Cu- and Mn-doped CaSO₄, Cu-doped CaSO₄ is found to be the most sensitive. The trap parameters, namely order of kinetics (b), activation energy (E) and frequency factor (s) associated with the most intensive glow peaks of CaSO₄:Mn, CaSO₄:Cu and CaSO₄ phosphors were determined using the glow curve shape (Chen's) method.     

Optically stimulated luminescence of dosimetric anion-defective corundum crystals

The relationship between the characteristics of optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) and thermally stimulated luminescence (TSL) of dosimetric crystals based on nominally pure single-crystal, ion-defective corundum is considered. It is established that the TSL and OSL characteristics of these crystals are closely interrelated and are caused by the same active traps. It is shown that the OSL of deep traps has a form difficult to interpret, which can be due to the effect of both more shallow and deeper traps.__________Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 72, No. 1, pp. 140–142, January–February, 2005.     

Thermally stimulated luminescence origin in LiF crystals irradiated in a reactor at different temperatures

Thermally stimulated luminescence as well as optical absorption and emission spectra have been studied in LiF crystals irradiated in a reactor at different temperatures. It was shown that aggregate colour centres give rise to thermally stimulated luminescence peaks registered below 450°C. Peak at 470°C is observed only in crystals that have been irradiated at standard temperature of the reactor experimental channels. The peak is caused by interaction of dislocations and F centres.     

Enhancement of phase conjugate wave in cerium doped bismuth germanate crystal

The enhancement of phase-conjugnte wave in cerium-doped bismuth germanatecrystal(Ce:BGO) was investigated.The result indicated that the phase congugate mirror(PCM) reflectivity of the doped BGO is one order higher than that of pure BGO and the re-sponse time is also decreased for doped BGO.Their mechanism were discussed.     

Radiation stabilization of U5+ in CaO matrix and its thermal stability: Electron paramagnetic resonance and thermally stimulated luminescence studies

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) evidence is presented for the radiation stabilization of pentavalent uranium in CaO matrix. From the theoretical predictions ofg value for U⁵⁺ in axial symmetries, it was concluded that U⁵⁺ at Ca²⁺ site is associated with a second neighbour charge compensating Ca²⁺ vacancy. EPR measurements also revealed the presence of Mn²⁺, Mn⁴⁺ and Cu²⁺ impurities in the samples. The thermal stability of U⁵⁺ was investigated using EPR and thermally stimulated luminescence (TSL) techniques. The TSL and EPR studies on gamma irradiated uranium doped calcium oxide samples had shown that the intense glow peak at 540 K is associated with the reduction in the intensity of EPR signal of U⁵⁺ ion around this temperature. This peak is associated with the process U⁵⁺+hole→U^6+*→U⁶⁺+hv. The activation energy for this process was determined to be 1.4eV.     

Thermally stimulated luminescence and electron paramagnetic resonance studies of actinide doped calcium chloro phosphate

Electron paramagnetic resonance [EPR] and thermally stimulated luminescence [TSL] studies were conducted on self [α]-irradiated²³⁹Pu doped calcium chloro phosphate andγ-irradiated²³⁹Pu/²³⁸UO ₂ ²⁺ doped calcium chloro phosphate to elucidate the role of the electron/hole traps in thermally stimulated reactions and to obtain trap parameters from both TSL and EPR data. TSL glow peaks around 135 K (# peak 1), 190 K (# peak 2), 435 K (# peak 5) and 490 K (# peak 7) were observed and their spectral characteristics have shown that Pu³⁺ and UO ₆ ⁶⁻ act as luminescent centres in calcium chloro phosphate with respective dopants. EPR studies have shown the formation of the radical ions H⁰, PO ₄ ²⁻ , O⁻, O ₂ ⁻ and [ClO]²⁻ under different conditions. Whereas the [ClO]²⁻ radical being stable up to 700 K, was not found to have any role in TSL processes, the thermal destruction of other centres was found to be primarily responsible for the TSL peaks observed. The trap depth values were determined both by using the TSL data and also the temperature variation of EPR spectra of these centres.     

Local Trapping Centers in the Ceramics of Eulytines

Thermally stimulated luminescence (TSL) of ceramics having the structure of eulytine Bi₄X₃O₁₂ (X = Si, Ge, Zr) on exposure to x-ray irradiation in the temperature region 80–400 K is studied. An analysis of the forms of the TSL curves implies that the recombination processes in the TSL peaks at 149 and 212 K in Bi₄Si₃O₁₂ ceramics and at 143 and 230 K in Bi₄Ge₃O₁₂ ceramics can be described by the linear kinetics. The spectral composition of TSL of the ceramics obtained is investigated, and the activation energy and frequency factors which correspond to the TSL maxima are determined by various methods. Based on common spectral and energy characteristics of TSL, a conclusion concerning the connection of TSL with recombination processes in common structural complexes of BiO₆ ^9– is drawn.     

Thermally stimulated luminescence and electron paramagnetic resonance studies on uranium doped K2Ca2(SO4)3

Thermally stimulated luminescence (TSL) studies of gamma-irradiated uraniumdoped K₂Ca₂(SO₄)₃ revealed two glow peaks around 400 K and 435 K. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) studies carried out on these samples have shown the formation of the radical ions SO ₄ ⁻ , SO ₃ ⁻ , SO ₂ ⁻ and O ₃ ⁻ . From the study of the thermal stabilities of these radical ions, it was found that the thermal destruction of SO ₂ ⁻ and SO ₄ ⁻ radical ions are associated with the glow peaks observed around 400 K and 435 K respectively. Uranate ion was identified as the luminescent centre for the observed TSL glow. The trap depth values for the glow peaks have been determined from TSL data.     

Thermally stimulated luminescence of polycrystalline CdWO4 at low temperatures

CdWO₄ scintillator powders were produced via solid state reaction and investigated by thermally stimulated luminescence technique after UV irradiation. Under a heating rate of 0.1 K/s, the glow curve presented a superposition of peaks at low temperatures. Four peaks were identified below 80 K by partial heating method and their kinetic parameters were evaluated from the initial rise analysis. Measurements were also performed for heating rates of 0.05 and 0.2 K/s and allowed the kinetic study by peak position method. Surface effects due to the polycrystalline feature of the sample were investigated by comparing the results with those reported for CdWO₄ single crystals.     

Correlation of optically and thermally stimulated luminescence of natural fluorite pellets

Natural fluorite (CaF₂), a dosimetric material of large usage, presents Thermoluminescence (TL) and Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL). This study examined the behavior of TL and OSL (stimulated with Blue LEDs) signals from the Brazilian natural fluorite pellets with NaCl as binding agent, as well as their correlations, in order to study and optimize the dosimetric process with this material. A series of experiments were conducted, basically with thermal treatments before OSL acquisition, and optical bleaching before TL readout. The role of NaCl in the TL and OSL emission was investigated. It was observed that natural CaF₂ TL signal is still ample to be used in dosimetric applications, as dose re-assessment in personal dosimetry after an OSL measurement. Also it was verified that the fluorite OSL signal is extinguished by a 350 °C heating and that NaCl has no contribution to the stable part of the OSL signal.     

Thermally and optically stimulated radiative processes in LiBaF3 crystals

In LiBaF₃ crystals both valence–core transitions (5.4–6.5 eV) and so-called self-trapped exciton luminescence (about 4.3 eV) are important for practical application. Here, we present a study of 4.3 eV luminescence under photo- and thermostimulation after X-irradiation of undoped LiBaF₃ crystals at various temperatures. Optically stimulated luminescence as a result of electron recombination with both self-trapped holes and holes localized at some defects, were observed after X-irradiation below 130 K and that of electron recombination with defect-localized holes was observed after X-irradiation above 130 K. The spectra of thermo-stimulated luminescence (TSL) contain a broad band about 4 eV related to the electron (high-energy side) or hole (low-energy side) recombination depending on TSL peak temperature.     

Kinetics of thermally stimulated luminescence from alkaline earth borates

The kinetics of thermally stimulated emission (TSL) from XB₂O₄ (X= Ca, Sr, Ba) has been investigated employing both isothermal decay and peak shape analysis methods. For BaB₂O₄ the emission was observed to lie in the visible region and the kinetics of TSL emission could be determined without any ambiguity. However, the emission spectra of CaB₂O₄ and SrB₂O₄ were found to consist of two broad emissions: one in the UV and the other in the blue green regions. Consequent to the presence of two emission bands, the determination of TSL kinetics required collection of TSL data for the two components of emission separately. Otherwise, an unambiguous determination of the TSL kinetics just could not be possible. The kinetics of TSL emission for the three borates is found to be of second order.     

Electron paramagnetic resonance and thermally stimulated luminescence studies of uranyl doped calcium sulphate

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and thermally stimulated luminescence (TSL) studies were conducted onγ-irradiated CaSO₄:UO ₂ ²⁺ to elucidate the role of the electron/hole traps in thermally stimulated reactions and to obtain the trap parameters (trap depth and frequency factor). Intense TSL glow peaks around 140, 375, 400 and 438±2K are observed and their spectral characteristics have shown that UO ₂ ²⁺ and UO ₆ ⁶⁻ act as luminescent centres. EPR studies have shown the peaks at 140 and 400/438K to be associated with the thermal destruction of O⁻ and SO ₄ ⁻ radical ion in two stages respectively. The maximum rate of thermal destruction of SO ₄ ⁻ ions (as seen by EPR) in various alkaline earth sulphate matrices investigated in our laboratory is also summarized. The activation energy which characterizes the electron transfer reaction between SO ₄ ⁻ and the dopant ion lies in the range of (0.95±0.15 eV). This value is independent of the dopant and therefore seems to be characteristic of the binding energy of hole in the SO ₄ ⁻ radical ion.     

The study on optically stimulated luminescence dosimeter based on the SrS：Eu,Sm and CaS：Eu,Sm

With the increasing use of nuclear energy, there is a need for a wider range of efficient dosimeters for radiation detection and assessment. There has been a tremendous growth in the development of radiation detectors and devices in the past few decades. In recent years, the development of new materials for radiation dosimetry has progressed significantly. Alkaline earth sulfides （AES） have been known for a long time as excellent and versatile phosphor materials. In the present investigation, a number of phosphor samples such as mono-, binary and ternary sulfides of alkaline earths （II^a-VI^b） have been prepared and their TL properties have been studied with respect to exposure （x-ray） response and fading. In this paper, some results on SrS：Eu, Sm and CaS：Eu, Sm phosphors are presented. A type of novel OSL dosimeter is described. The dosimeter takes advantage of the characteristics of charge trapping materials SrS：Eu, Sm and CaS：Eu, Sm that exhibit optically stimulated luminescence （OSL）. The measuring range of the dosimeter is from 0.01 to 1000 Gy. The OSL dosimeters provide capability for remote monitoring radiation locations which are difficult to access and hazardous. This equipment is relatively simple, small in size and has low power consumption. The device is suitable for space radiation dose exploration. In addition, it also can be used in IC and other radiation occasions and has good prospects.     

Thermoluminescence and optically stimulated luminescence characteristics of Al2O3 doped with Tb

In the present work policrystals of α − Al₂O₃ doped with terbium were synthesized using the solvent evaporation method. The samples were prepared using Al(NO₃)₃·9H₂O and Tb(NO₃)₃·5H₂O reagents, with Tb concentrations between 1 and 5 mol% and thermally treated at high temperature above ∼1400 °C. X-ray diffraction measurements showed the α-phase formation of samples. TL glow curve presented an intense peak at ∼190 °C and two other with low intensity at 290 and 350 °C after gamma irradiation. The best doping concentration which presented high luminescence was the sample doped with 3 mol% of Tb. TL spectra and fluorescence measurements showed similar luminescence spectra with lines attribute to Tb³⁺ ions. A linear behavior to gamma dose between 1 and 20 Gy was observed in TL, using 190 °C peak as well as in OSL signal, this last carried out using 532 nm wavelength stimulation.     

LiMgPO_4:Tm,Tb的热释光和光释光陷阱参数

采用高温固相法合成了LiMgPO_4:Tm,Tb粉末样品,测定了热释光陷阱参数激发能E和频率因子s.用脉冲退火和多次退火方法研究了其光释光陷阱参数E和s,并与用多速法得到的热释光的结果进行了比较.对不同β射线剂量照射的样品发光曲线的研究表明,300°C高温峰属于一级动力学发光峰.通过对热释光和光释光陷阱的相关性研究表明,经200°C预热的热释光信号(对应于300°C高温峰)和光释光信号很有可能来自于同一深度的陷阱.     

Dose-dependent optically stimulated luminescence of synthetic quartz at room temperature

Physical conditions such as annealing temperature, duration of annealing, ionizing radiation, etc., play a significant role in the applications of optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating as well as OSL dosimetry. Many efforts are made to understand the effect of these physical parameters on quartz specimens owing to its use in such applications. Such factors induce changes in OSL decay pattern. The definite correlation between color centers and luminescence sensitivity can be established on account of such pre-treatments to the specimen.The purpose of present investigations is to study the effect of ionizing radiation under identical physical conditions on OSL properties measured at room temperature. The shapes of decay curve and dose-response data are considered for this purpose. This study can reveal the changes in color centers in response to the pre-conditions to the specimen. It was found that the OSL decay remains slow and OSL properties change systematically with the rise in beta dose up to a critical dose; however, it changes the pattern when the beta exposure to the specimen was increased higher than the critical dose. This critical dose was found to be different for different temperature of annealing. The shape of decay curve up to the critical dose was also studied by considering the difference of OSL intensities between two successive durations from the observed OSL decay data. The results are explained based on the changes in available shallow traps during OSL measurement at room temperature with changes in pre-conditions to the specimens. The results also have been confirmed with the corresponding changes in ESR signals.     

Investigation of regeneration effect of blue luminescence in NaCl using variable delay optically stimulated luminescence (VD-OSL)

Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) of pure analytical sodium chloride (NaCl) was studied. Performing series of CW-OSL (continuous wave OSL) readouts it was found that subsequent CW-OSL decay, after some delay, starts from significantly higher intensity level than the final intensity of the previous readout. To study this ‘regeneration effect’ a new type of measurements was implemented – the variable delay OSL (VD-OSL) method. The idea of VD-OSL is explained – it allows to study OSL kinetics at very long time scale. VD-OSL data confirm coexistence of two effects in NaCl – regeneration and fading of the OSL signal. After partial CW-OSL readout, regeneration predominates in the short time scale of the order of 10³ s. Then, fading becomes dominant. The same measurements were applied to commonly used Al₂O₃:C material as well. Nevertheless, the results do not show such behavior at the studied time scale. Theoretical arguments are presented that the regeneration mechanism cannot be explained on the basis of the simple trap model.