Effect of γ-radiation on TL,ESR and evaluation of trapping parameters of K2Ca(SO4)2:X (X = Dy or Eu) phosphors

ABSTRACT

The present phosphor K₂Ca(SO₄)_2, doped by dysprosium and europium, is synthesized by the solid-state diffusion method. The doping concentration varied from 0.1 to 0.5?mol% by weight. A phosphor is studied for X-ray powder diffraction, surface morphology analytical scanning electron microscopy and analyzed by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The prepared phosphor K₂Ca(SO₄)_2, doped by Dy and Eu, has been characterized for thermoluminescence (TL) glow curve, showing maximum peak temperatures at 176°C and at 200°C, respectively. TL peak intensity of K₂Ca(SO₄)₂: Dy and Eu was compared with the standard TLD CaSO₄:Dy phosphor. Both phosphors show the dose linearity ranging from 20 to 240?Gy doses of γ-rays of ⁶⁰Co source at room temperature. Negligible fading has been observed when irradiated with γ-rays and stored for 60 days without taking any care from sunlight. The TL materials were used in powder forms. The linearity of ESR response with dose for powder forms of K₂Ca(SO₄)₂: Dy was also studied using the signals at g?=?2:0039 (SO₃^?) and at g?=?2:02282 (SO₄^?). It was observed that the range of linearity of dose response extended between 20 and 240?Gy. Kinetic parameters have been calculated using three different methods: Chen's peak shape method, various heating rate method and initial rise method. To study the heating rate method, the glow curve was recorded for the heating rate as 1°C, 3°C, 5°C, 7°C, 9°C each time. Electron spin resonance (ESR) shows the ionic radical formation during γ-irradiation, which is responsible for TL. The effect of temperature and microwave power on the ESR signal was also studied.     

Thermoluminescence of rare earth activated CdSO4, SrSO4 and BaSO4

The thermoluminescence (TL) of rare earth (RE) activated sulfates of Cd, Sr and Ba was studied above room temperature. Many of the phosphors prepared exhibit an extremely bright TL following X-irradiation (most notably with Sm, Eu, Tb, Dy and Tm dopants), having an efficiency comparable to that of the highest sensitivity phosphors available for TL dosimetry, and exhibiting activator-induced glow peaks between 405 and 480°K. In a given lattice, the RE³⁺ ions produce a characteristic glow peak at the same temperature (independent of the particular RE ion), whereas Eu²⁺ produces a single glow peak at a different temperature. A decrease in glow peak temperature with increasing interatomic spacing was observed in the homologous SrSO₄-BaSO₄ system - this shift being most pronounced in the Eu²⁺ -doped materials. TL emission spectra were obtained for trivalent Sm, Tb, Dy and Tm and for divalent Eu in these sulfates (and also in CaSO₄).     

Luminescence investigations on sulfate apatite Na6(SO4)2FCl:RE (RE=Dy, Ce or Eu) phosphors

A new phosphor in the Cl-F system doped with Dy, Ce and Eu has been reported. Characterization of this phosphor using XRD, PL and TL techniques is described. Polycrystalline Na₆(SO₄)₂FCl:Dy; Na₆(SO₄)₂FCl:Ce and Na₆(SO₄)₂FCl:Eu phosphors prepared by a solid state diffusion method have been studied for their X-ray diffraction, photoluminescence (PL) and thermoluminescence (TL)characteristics. The PL excitation and emission spectra of phosphors were obtained. Dy³⁺ emission in the host at 475 and 570 nm is observed due to ⁴F_9/2→⁶H_15/2 and ⁴F_9/2→⁶H_13/2 transition, respectively, whereas the PL emission spectra of Na₆(SO₄)₂FCl:Ce phosphor shows the Ce³⁺ emission at 322 nm due to 5d→4f transition of Ce³⁺ ion. In Na₆(SO₄)₂FCl:Eu lattice, Eu²⁺ as well as Eu³⁺ emissions are observed. The emission of europium ion in this compound exhibits the blue as well as red emission. The TL glow curves of the same compounds have the simple structure with a prominent peak at 150, 175 and 200 °C. TL response, fading, reusability and trapping parameters of the phosphors are also studied. The TL glow curves of γ-irradiated Na₆(SO₄)₂FCl sample show one glow peak indicating that only one set of traps is being activated within the particular temperature range each with its own value of activation energy (E) and frequency factor (s). The trapping parameters associated with the prominent glow peak are calculated using Chen’s half width method. The release of hole/electron from defect centers at the characteristic trap site initiates the luminescence process in these materials. The intensity of the TL glow peaks increases with increase of the added γ-ray dose to the samples.     

Characterization and photoluminescence studies of Eu<Superscript>2+</Superscript>-doped BaSO<Subscript>4</Subscript> phosphor prepared by the recrystallization method

Eu doped BaSO₄ was prepared by the recrystallization method and characterization of the material was done by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) techniques. From the XRD pattern of Eu doped BaSO₄ compound, it was found that the prominent phase formed was BaSO₄ and traces of other phases were very weak and the result of FTIR spectrum of BaSO₄:Eu shows that the sulfur-oxygen stretch was found at around 1100 cm⁻¹. The room-temperature PL spectra of the Eu doped BaSO₄ sample showed one peak centered at 374 nm, which is the characteristic emission of Eu²⁺ ion. This emission band at 374 nm corresponds to the 4f⁶ 5d→4f⁷ (⁸S_7/2) transitions of Eu²⁺ ions. The excitation spectrum taken at the wavelength 374 nm extends over a wide range of wavelengths from 220–350 nm with a strong peak at around 260 nm. Furthermore, the present sample shows good crystal quality and high photoluminescence sensitivity. Hence our results suggest possible potential applications of Eu doped BaSO₄ phosphor in optoelectronic devices.     

Thermoluminescence and photoluminescence of LiNaSO4:Eu irradiated with 24 and 48 MeV Li ion beam

Thermoluminescence (TL) of LiNaSO₄:Eu phosphor, irradiated with 24 and 48 MeV ⁷Li ions at different fluences in the range 5×10⁹-1×10¹² ion/cm², has been studied. The samples from the same batch were also exposed to γ-rays from a Cs¹³⁷ source for comparative studies. The TL glow curves of the materials, irradiated with ⁷Li ions, have similar structures to that of γ-irradiated sample. They have a simple structure with a prominent peak at 412 K along with small one at around 481 K. The intensity ratios of 412-481 K peaks have been observed to increase with fluence increasing, while that of γ-irradiated sample shows a reverse trend. This could be attributed to the changes in the recombination center populations due to ⁷Li ions, that have been implanted inside the matrix of LiNaSO₄:Eu, during irradiation and might also act as a source for new trapping and luminescent centers. The implantation has been confirmed by TRIM calculations. The penetration depths (where the ion comes to rest) are found to be 145 and 463 μm corresponding to 24 and 48 MeV ion beam energies, respectively, which are less than the thickness of the sample chips (∼800 μm). The efficiencies of LiNaSO₄:Eu to 24 and 48 MeV ⁷Li ions measured relative to γ-rays of Cs¹³⁷ are found to be 0.007 and 0.024, respectively. Theoretical analysis of the glow curves of the samples irradiated by ⁷Li ions and γ-rays were done by glow curve deconvolution method to determine trapping parameters of various peaks. The experimentally observed linearity/sublinearity has been discussed in the frame of track interaction model. Photoluminescence studies in the ⁷Li ions irradiated and un-irradiated samples show that europium ions have incorporated in the host in their divalent (emission at 440 nm) as well as trivalent (emissions at 594, 615 and 700 nm) forms. The intensities of the emission bands of these ions have been observed to increase with fluence increasing.     

Effect of acids on the gamma-radiolysis of frozen aqueous systems of some organic compounds

Abstract

ESR spectra of γ-irradiated frozen aqueous solutions of a number of organic compounds such as alcohols, ether, acetone and tetrahydrofurans have been examined in the presence and absence of mineral acids such as H₂SO₄. The presence of the acid is found to cause an intensification of the organic radical ESR spectra as compared with the acid free solutions. Also, the presence of the organic compounds in frozen aqueous H₂SO₄ suppresses the formation of both H-atoms and SO₄ ^? radical ions. These results have been explained on the basis of reactions of the electrons and holes, or excitons, primarily formed by the action of radiation on the substrate ice.     

Eu and Ce emission in sulphate based phosphors

Polycrystalline KMgSO₄Cl:Eu and Na₅(PO₄)SO₄:Ce phosphors prepared by a wet chemical method have been studied for its photoluminescence (PL) and thermoluminescence (TL) characteristics. The TL glow curve of the compound has a prominent peak at 200 °C and may be useful for TL study. TL sensitivity of the KMgSO₄Cl:Eu phosphor is found to be 1.7 times less than that of TLD—CaSO₄:Dy. The presence of bands at around 420, 435 and 445 nm in the PL emission spectra of the phosphor suggests the presence of Eu²⁺ in the host compound. Moreover a TL glow curve of the Na₅(PO₄)SO₄:Ce gives a better understanding of the TL mechanism (peaks at 271 and 310 °C) involved in the concerned phosphor. The PL emission spectra are observed at 382 nm for the various concentrations. In this paper we report PL and TL characteristics of KMgSO₄Cl:Eu halosulphate and Na₅(PO₄)SO₄:Ce phosphate sulphate phosphors first time.     

Nanoparticles of BaSO4:Eu for heavy-dose measurements

Nanoparticles of BaSO₄:Eu with grain size in the range 30-50 nm have been prepared by the chemical co-precipitation method and characterized by UV-visible spectrometry and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Shape and size of the prepared nanomaterials were observed by a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The optical energy band gaps of the micro- and nanocrystalline BaSO₄:Eu were determined and are found to be 3.39±0.0136 and 3.48±0.0139 eV, respectively. The thermoluminescence (TL) glow curve of BaSO₄:Eu nanoparticles has been studied and compared with that of the corresponding microcrystalline powder. It has been observed that the TL glow peak at 497 K, seen prominently in the microcrystalline sample, appeared as a small peak in nanocrystalline powder, while that observed as a shoulder in the former at 462 K dominates in the latter. The observed TL sensitivity of the prepared nanocrystalline powder is less than that of the microcrystalline sample at low doses, while it is more at higher doses. This nanophosphor exhibits a linear/sublinear TL response to γ-radiation over a very wide range of exposures (0.1 Gy to 7 KGy), which is much wider compared to that of the microcrystalline counterpart (0.1-10 Gy). This response over a large span of exposures makes the nanostructure form of BaSO₄:Eu useful for its application to estimate low as well as high exposures of γ-rays.     

Electron paramagnetic resonance,infrared, and electrical conductivity studies of γ-ray irradiated Li2SO4-K2SO4 mixed system

Abstract

Electron paramagnetic resonance spectra of 7-irradiated Li:₂SO₄-K₂SO₄ mixed system are measured at X-band and 300 K. Two types of centers, A and B, identified as LiOH⁺ ₂ and SO^? ₃ are studied. The EPR spectrum of LiOH⁺ ₂ has a well-resolved hyperfine structure. The effective g-value and the hyperfine structure constant of it are calculated. On the other hand, the SO^? ₃ center is characterized by an intense isotropic signal at a g-value ≈ 2. 0035. Mechanisms of center formation are proposed. Infrared transmittance spectra were recorded for unirradiated and γ-ray irradiated samples. A decrease in the transmittance spectra was observed after irradiation. The ionic conductivity, σ, has been measured for the Li₂SO₄-K₂SO₄ system before and after irradiation in the temperature range 30–400°C. The activation energy was found to be 1. 1 eV. A considerable decrease in the conductivity value accompanied by an increase in the activation energy was observed after γ-irradiation.     

Thermoluminescence and ESR phenomena in X-ray irradiated mixed alkaline-alkaline earth metal sulfates—I

Abstract

Thermoluminescence (TL) and ESR phenomena induced by X-ray irradiation of the mixed samples of K₂SO₄ and alkaline earth metal sulfate (MgSO₄ or BaSO₄) were investigated in terms of the reactivities and the crystallogrpahic properties. A high intensive TL resulted from the diffusion of a small amount of Mg²⁺ into K₂SO₄ crystals. The amount formed of K₂Mg₂(SO₄)₃, langbeinite, compound had a maximum at the stoichiometric composition. From the ESR measurements, SO^? ₃ radicals were found to be easily formed in the langebeinite by excitation. Both the TL and the ESR phenomena were hardly observed in the K₂SO₄–BaSO₄ system due to little diffusion of Ba²⁺ with much larger radius than Mg²⁺. The results were mainly discussed on the basis of the radii of the component cations in these systems. In addition, the fundamental data as to the application to the ESR dosimetry were obtained.     

γ-irradiation effect on the spectroscopic and electrical properties of K2SO4—Na2SO4 mixed system

Abstract

Measurements of electron paramagnetic resonance, infrared and electrical properties were carried out for the K₂SO₄—Na₂SO₄ mixed system before and after γ-irradiation. EPR measurements revealed the presence of a quartet of lines characterized by an isotropic g-value of 2.0034. These lines are mainly attributed to the formation of a SO^? ₃ center which results from the interaction of γ-rays with the sulfate ion. A decrease in the absorption intensity of the Infrared radiation was observed after γ-irradiation due to radiation damage in the sulfate group. The electrical conductivity, σ, was measured for the K₂SO₄—Na₂SO₄ system before and after γ-irradiation in the temperature range from 30 up to 430°C. A considerable decrease in the conductivity value accompanied by an increase in the activation energy was observed after γ-irradiation. The energy of formation of Frenkel defects was estimated to be 2.94eV. The current-voltage characteristics were measured at different temperatures in order to estimate the type of conduction in the samples. Isothermal annealing kinetics was investigated at different temperatures before and after γ-irradiation. The electrical conductivity decreases with increasing time of annealing and the annealing process is dominated by a unique rate process.     

Thermoluminescence of γ-irradiated BaCa(SO4)2:Eu,Dy

In this paper, thermoluminescence (TL) studies of BaCa(SO₄)₂:Eu,Dy phosphor are reported. A microcrystalline sample of BaCa(SO₄)₂:Eu,Dy was prepared by a solid state diffusion method and the formation of the compound was confirmed by the X-ray diffraction study. Morphology of the phosphor was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The sample is found to have an average particle size of 5?µm. TL glow curves of the γ-irradiated samples with different concentrations of Eu and Dy were studied and compared with BaCa(SO₄)₂:Eu and BaCa(SO₄)₂:Dy. It has been found that a single peak was located at around 230°C with the highest TL intensity in BaCa(SO₄)₂:Eu,Dy which is eight times and two times more than singly Dy- and Eu-doped BaCa(SO₄)₂ phosphor, respectively. For TL analysis, BaCa(SO₄)₂:Eu,Dy (0.2?mol%, 1?mol%) is annealed at different temperatures ranging from 900°C to 1100°C. Analysis of the TL glow curve was carried out by a glow curve deconvoluted method. Trapping parameters (activation energy and frequency factor) of all TL glow curves were evaluated by Chen's peak shape method. A comparison of trapping parameters between BaCa(SO₄)₂:Eu,Dy; BaCa(SO₄)₂:Eu and BaCa(SO₄)₂:Dy phosphors at 900°C, 1000°C and 1100°C is also reported in this paper.     

Photoluminescence and EPR studies on gamma irradiated Ce doped potassium halide single crystals

Electron Paramagnetic Resonance(EPR), Photoluminescence(PL), Thermoluminescence (TL) and other optical studies of γ-irradiated KBr, KCl:Ce³⁺ single crystals. Cerium when doped into the KBr, KCl is found to enter the host lattice in its trivalent state and act as electron trap during γ-irradiation, thereby partially converting itself to Ce²⁺. The Photoluminescence(PL) spectra of both KCl and KBr crystals doped with Ce exhibit the strong blue emissions of Ce corresponding to ⁵d(²D)→²F_5/2 and ⁵d(²D)→²F_7/2 transitions. The defect centers formed in the Ce³⁺ doped KBr and KCl. Crystals are studied using the technique of EPR. A dominant TL glow peak at 374, 422 K and KCl:Ce³⁺ at 466, 475 K is observed in the crystal. EPR studies indicate the presence at two centers at room temperature. Spectral distribution under the thermoluminescence emission(TLE) and optically stimulated emission(OSL) support the idea that defect annihilation process to be due to thermal release of F electron in KBr, KCl:Ce³⁺ crystals. Both Ce³⁺ and Ce²⁺ emissions were observed in the thermoluminescence emission of the crystals.     

Luminescence properties of lanthanide(III) ions in concentrated carbonate solution

Luminescence properties of lanthanide(III) ions (Ln = Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy and Tm) were investigated by measuring the excitation and emission spectra, and emission lifetimes in H₂O and D₂O solutions of 3 moll^?1 K₂CO₃, where anionic tetra-carbonate complexes, [Ln(CO₃)₄]^5- were the predominant species.

Electronic transitions of the carbonato complex corresponding to both the excitation and emission spectra were assigned from the energy level diagrams of Ln(III) and compared with those of the aqua ion. Enhancement of emission intensity of the complex was observed at particular excitation transitions of Eu(III), Gd(III) and Tb(III), and at particular emission transitions of Sm(III), Eu(III), Dy(III) and Tm(III). The enhancement at the emission transition was estimated quantitatively as a branching ratio from the lowest emitting state of Ln(III), and discussed in terms of hypersensitivity.

Emission lifetimes of the carbonato complexes were all longer than those of aqua ions in H₂O solution, while the lifetimes of the complexes for Eu(III) and Tb(III) shorter than those in D₂O solution. The difference in non-radiative decay constants for the excited complex in H₂O and D₂O solutions was found to be proportional to an exponential of the energy gap of Ln(III). The lifetime ratio between the H₂O and D₂O solutions showed the order of Sm > Dy > Eu > Tb, corresponding to the opposite order of the energy gap. These were discussed in terms of an energy gap law, i.e. a relationship between the energy gap of Ln(III) and vibration energies of the ligand or water molecules.     

Luminescence in BaSO4:Eu

Abstract

Photoluminescence and thermoluminescence in BaSO₄:Eu is reported. In earlier works, divalent Eu has been studied in BaSO₄. In the present work Eu was incorporated as in predominantly Eu³⁺ or Eu²⁺ form. It is shown that RE³⁺ ? RE²⁺ conversion or RE²⁺ ? RE⁺ conversion is not an integral part of gamma induced TL. Eu³⁺ ? Eu²⁺ conversion, on the other hand, may be important in UV induced TL. Low UV efficiency of this material is attributed to poor Eu³⁺ ? Eu²⁺ conversion. This is in quite contrast to the analogus material CaSO₄: Eu.     

5D0→7F1 and 5D0→7F2 transition in europium doped halosulphates for mercury-free lamps

Polycrystalline Na₃SO₄F:Eu and NaMgSO₄F:Eu halosulphate phosphors prepared by a wet chemical method have been studied for its photoluminescence (PL) and thermoluminescence (TL) characteristics. Two well resolved peaks are observed at 593 nm and 614 nm, which are assigned to due to ⁵D₀→⁷F₁ and ⁵D₀→⁷F₂ transitions of Eu³⁺ ions. TL is observed at temperatures between 100 °C and 300 °C. In this paper, we report PL emission spectra of Eu³⁺ and TL glow curves, which are more sensitive than the standard TLD-CaSO₄:Dy. The presented phosphors are applicable for the mercury free lamps and solid state lighting devices.     

Photophysical Properties of Ternary RE3+ (RE = Eu, Tb, Sm) Hybrids with β-Diketone Functionalized Linkages and 4-(4-nitrostyryl)pyridine Though Coordination Bonding

In this paper, the organic ligands TTA and TAA are grafted onto the coupling agent to achieve the organic precursors (TTA-Si, TAA-Si) as first ligand and the organic 4-(4-nitrostyryl)pyridine (Nspy) is synthesized as the second ligand. Both of them are coordinated to the rare ions with the carbonyl group and nitrogen atom respectively. After the hydrolysis and copolycondensation between the teraethoxysilane (TEOS) and the ternary rare earth organic complex via the sol–gel process, the chemical bonded hybrid materials are constructed and characterized in detail. The obtained hybrid materials present superior thermal stabilities and regular and homogenous square blocks microstructure. Among the hybrids Eu(TTA-Si)₃Nspy shows a more strong characteristic emission and longer lifetime than the hybrids Eu(TAA-Si)₃Nspy, while hybrids Tb(TAA-Si)₃Nspy exhibits the stronger characteristic emission and longer lifetime than the hybrids Tb(TTA-Si)₃Nspy. For Sm³⁺ hybrid materials, the photoluminescence of Sm(TAA-Si)₃Nspy is too weak to find in the characteristic emission spectra, meanwhile, Sm(TTA-Si)₃Nspy has the excellent luminescent intensity.     

Transformations of radicals and ions in irradiated sodium sulfate doped with nitrate ions

The structure and properties of the paramagnetic centers formed by γ-irradiation at 77 K in sodium sulfate doped with nitrate ions have been investigated by the EPR method. The NO^2? ₃, NO₂ and SO^? ₄ radicals have been identified. The orientation of NO^2? ₃ relation to crystallographic axes is determined. In the 77-400 K temperature range the transformations of observable radicals have been studied. The mechanisms of their formation and thermal annealing have been discussed. The symmetry of nitrate ions in sodium sulfate was investigated by diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy. At the concentration of NO^? ₃ up to 5.5 × 10¹⁸ g^?1 the nitrate ion was supposed to have a planar or pyramidal configuration of the D_3h or C_3V symmetries. At the concentration of the dopant higher than 5.5 × 10¹⁸ g^?1 the nitrate ions with the C_2V symmetry were observed.     

A rapid combustion process for the preparation of MgSrAl10O17:Eu phosphor and related luminescence and defect investigations

Blue-emitting europium-ion-doped MgSrAl₁₀O₁₇ phosphor, prepared using the combustion method, is described. An efficient phosphor can be prepared by this method in a muffle furnace maintained at 500 °C in a very short time of few minutes. The phosphor is characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and BET surface area measurements. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra revealed that europium ions were present in divalent oxidation state. The thermoluminescence (TL) glow curve shows two peaks at around 178 and at 354 °C. The defect centres formed in the phosphor are studied using electron spin resonance (ESR). The ESR spectrum indicates the presence of Fe³⁺ ions in the non-irradiated system. Irradiated MgSrAl₁₀O₁₇:Eu exhibits lines due to radiation-sensitive Fe³⁺ ion and a defect centre. The centre is characterized by an isotropic g-value of 2.0012 and is assigned to a F⁺ centre. The radiation-sensitive Fe³⁺ ion appears to correlate with the main TL peak at 178 °C. During irradiation an electron is released from Fe²⁺ and is trapped at an anion vacancy to form F⁺ centre. During heating, an electron is liberated from the defect centre and recombines with Fe³⁺ emitting light.