Study of the thermoluminescence dosimetric properties of window glass

This paper presents the main thermoluminescence (TL) dosimetric characteristics of commercial Turkish transparent window glass. The structure of the glow curves, including the number of peaks, was found to be dose-dependent. A low-temperature glow peak that at 160 °C shifts to higher temperatures was also observed with increasing storage time at room temperature. This result suggests that this TL glow peak is actually made up of two or more overlapping peaks. These we have attributed to the glow peaks at lower temperatures, which decay faster than the ones at higher temperatures with storage time. The thermal fading of the window glass sample at room temperature showed a relatively sharp decay of about 60% occurring over a period of 28 days, after which the decay rate is small for a measured period of 250 days. In order to the improve the post-irradiation stability of the glow curve, the glass samples were heated after irradiation. To remove the unstable TL peaks responsible for the initial rapid fading, post-irradiation heating at 160 °C for 10 min was found to be the most suitable procedure. The dosimetric characteristics of the post-irradiation heated window glass examined in this study include fading, gamma photon dose-response, reproducibility, batch sensitivity, humidity influence, a dose-rate effect and photon energy response. Dose-response was found to be appropriate for dosimetry in the range 5 Gy to 10 kGy. The post-irradiation heating procedure did not affect the main dosimetric characteristics of the window glass samples. The results in this work suggest that the materials could, by using the TL technique, be a suitable candidate for alternative dose measurements in radiation processing, provided that a judicious choice of the post-irradiation heat temperature is made to minimize fading.     

Thermoluminescence characterization of the irradiated minerals extracted from nopal

The mineral fraction from dehydrated nopal leaves (Opuntia ficus indica) belonging to the Cactaceae family was extracted and selected by sizes of 10 and 74 μm and exposed to ⁶⁰Co gamma radiation at different doses in the range 70 Gy–20 kGy. The glow-curves from these polyminerals show a thermoluminescence (TL) band with one very intense peak at a temperature around 150 °C and a second one emerging in the high temperature region, moving in a large zone of temperature values according to the preparation used and the level of irradiation. The XRD analysis shows a composition of both biominerals as whewellite and weddellite and a mineral fraction as anorthoclase and quartz. The main TL characteristics of the polymineral content of the nopal was analyzed, i.e. the TL response at different doses and fading during storage at room temperature. The activation energy of the traps responsible for the TL emission was also investigated and a possible continuous distribution of traps is discussed. A review of the scientific literature shows that this is the first time that a TL study on nopal ionized by irradiation has been carried out.     

Effect of ion irradiation on the thermoluminescence properties of K2Ca2(SO4)3 phosphor

This paper presents the thermoluminescence (TL) studies of ion-irradiated potassium–calcium mixed sulfate phosphor. The sample was prepared by the solid-state diffusion method. The X-ray diffraction study of the prepared sample suggests an orthorhombic structure with an average particle size of 0.16 μ m. The samples were irradiated with 1.2 MeV argon ions at fluences varying between 10¹¹ and 10¹⁵ ions/cm². The argon ions penetrate to a depth of 1.93 μ m and lose their energy mainly via electronic stopping. Due to ion irradiation, a large number of defects such as oxygen vacancies, radicals and color centers are formed in the sample. TL glow curves were recorded for each of the ion fluences. A linear increase in the intensity of TL glow peaks was found with an increase in the ion dose from 72 kGy to 720 MGy. The kinetic parameters associated with the prominent glow peaks were calculated using glow curve deconvolution, different glow curve shapes and sample heating rate methods.     

Computerized glow curve deconvolution of thermoluminescent emission from polyminerals of Jamaica Mexican flower

The aim of this work is to study the main thermoluminescence (TL) characteristics of the inorganic polyminerals extracted from dehydrated Jamaica flower or roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) belonging to Malvaceae family of Mexican origin. TL emission properties of the polymineral fraction in powder were studied using the initial rise (IR) method. The complex structure and kinetic parameters of the glow curves have been analysed accurately using the computerized glow curve deconvolution (CGCD) assuming an exponential distribution of trapping levels. The extension of the IR method to the case of a continuous and exponential distribution of traps is reported, such as the derivation of the TL glow curve deconvolution functions for continuous trap distribution. CGCD is performed both in the case of frequency factor, s, temperature independent, and in the case with the s function of temperature.     

Investigation of thermoluminescence of natural zircon relevant to dating application

The thermoluminescence (TL) characteristics of natural zircons from Vietnam were studied for potential application to TL dating. All the glow curves of samples irradiated by gamma radiation or UV light showed a complex structure that consisted of a low temperature part (LTP) and a high temperature part (HTP). The TL emission spectra and monochromatic glow curves indicate that the two main impurities governing the TL emission are Dy³⁺ (LTP) and Tb³⁺ (HTP). The anomalous fading of the TL signal was assigned to the emission associated with Dy³⁺ whereas the 545 nm emission associated with Tb3⁺, exhibits significantly lower fading and consequently more suitable for TL dating.     

Thermally stimulated luminescence of Mg-doped ZnO Nanophosphors

Nanosized ZnO:Mg phosphors were synthesized through a controlled chemical reaction. X-ray diffraction patterns confirmed that Mg entered in a substitutive way in Zn sites. To investigate their thermoluminescence (TL) properties, some samples were exposed to beta-particle irradiation. The results reported here show that Mg doping improves ZnO TL features that are important for TL dosimetry applications, such as the shape of the glow curve, the temperature at which the maximum TL intensity is observed, and the TL fading and reproducibility. No saturation clues of the TL response as a function of the dose is observed for doses below 1600 Gy.     

Thermoluminescence studies of γ-irradiated nanocrystalline Y3Al5O12

Nanocrystalline yttrium aluminum garnet (Y₃Al₅O₁₂) is synthesized by combustion technique. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern of 900 °C annealed sample revealed a cubic structure. The average crystallite size is found to be 20.5 nm. γ-irradiated Y₃Al₅O₁₂ exhibits two thermoluminescence (TL) glows: a prominent one with a peak at ～410 K and another one with a peak at ～575 K. It is found that the TL glow peak intensity at 410 K increases, while its glow peak temperature is almost steady with an increase in the γ-dose. The effect of the heating rate on the TL glow curve is studied. It is found that T_m1 shifts towards higher temperature region while the I_m1 decreases with an increase in the heating rate. The TL glow curves are analyzed by Chen's peak shape method and the TL parameters are estimated.     

Characteristics of TL and PTTL glow curves of gamma irradiated pure Li2B4O7 single crystals

The TL glow curve of X-ray irradiated pure and Cu-doped Li₂B₄O₇ shows that the most intense TL peak is at 160°C. In the present work the characteristics of the TL and PTTL glow curves from gamma irradiated pure Li₂B₄O₇ single crystal samples (prepared by Mitui Kinzoku Kougyo, Japan) have been studied. The samples were irradiated with different gamma doses (from 0.5 up to 500 Gy) using a ⁶⁰Co gamma ray source at a dose rate of 78 Gy h⁻¹. The TL glow curve shows three intense peaks (at 160°C, 260 and 305°C) and three weak ones (at 110, 140 and 220°C). The most intense TL peak is at 160°C, which agrees with the TL glow curve from X-ray irradiated samples [Kutomi Y. and Tomita A. (1990) TSEE and TL of Li₂B₄O₇:Cu single crystals. Radiat. Prot. Dosim. 33, 347–350]. The 305°C peak in gamma irradiated samples also appears to be very intense, which indicates its possible use in high-dose high-temperature dosimetry. Further, the characteristics of the PTTL glow curve have been studied as a function of ultraviolet exposure and number of repeated PTTL cycles.     

Thermoluminescence and dosimetric aspects of topaz from Yono Shigar mine in Pakistan

Topaz shows thermoluminescence (TL) on heating after exposure to ionising radiation. A study was carried out to explore the possibility to design and develop a TLD (thermoluminescence dosimeter) from locally occurring topaz. Topaz was collected from a mine in Yono Shigar valley in northern Pakistan. The samples were identified as topaz by neutron irradiation, X-ray diffraction and X-ray fluorescence. The crystals of topaz were cut into chips of dimensions compatible to the commercial TLD readers. The chips were exposed to ⁶⁰Co and/or ¹³⁷Cs gamma irradiators. The investigation features included glow curve, dose and energy responses, sensitivity, fading, reproducibility and mechanical stability. The TL glow curves revealed a stable peak at about 250 °C, whose height rose linearly with increase of irradiation dose. The TL response versus dose (calibration curve) showed the linear behaviour between 10^?2 and 10² Gy. The dose response was independent of gamma energies of ⁶⁰Co and ¹³⁷Cs. The response of topaz chips remained constant within 10% deviation from the initial value after 30 cycles of reuse. The rate of fading of topaz was very fast just after irradiation and slowed after a few days. Mechanical stability of the chips remained constant during handling in all investigation experiments. The topaz from Yono Shigar mine may be recommended as a TLD for gamma dose within 10^?2–10² Gy.     

Argon ions induced thermoluminescence properties of Ba0.12Sr0.88SO4 phosphor

Thermoluminescence properties of barium strontium mixed sulfate have been studied by irradiation with Argon ions. The sample was recrystallized by chemical co-precipitation techniques using H₂SO₄. The X-ray diffraction study of prepared sample suggests the orthorhombic structure with average grain size of 60 nm. The samples were irradiated with 1.2 MeV Argon ions at fluences varying between 10¹¹ and 10¹⁵ ions/cm². The argon ions penetrate to the depth of 1.89 μm and lose their energy mainly via electronic stopping. Due to ion irradiation, a large number of defects in the sample are formed. Thermally stimulated luminescence (TSL) glow curves of ion irradiated Ba_0.12Sr_0.88SO₄ phosphor exhibit broad peak with maximum intensity at 495 K composed of four overlapping peaks. This indicates that different sets of traps are being activated within the particular temperature range each with its own value of activation energy (E) and frequency factor (s). Thermoluminescence (TL) glow curves were recorded for each of the ion fluences. A linear increase in intensity of TL glow peaks was found with the increase in ion dose from 59 kGy to 5.9 MGy. The kinetic parameters associated with the prominent glow peaks were calculated using glow curve deconvolution (GCD), different glow curve shape and sample heating rate methods.     

Excitation of thermoluminescence in Eu doped Ba0.12Sr0.88SO4 nanophosphor by low energy argon ions

In the present paper thermoluminescence properties of argon ions irradiated barium strontium mixed sulphate phosphor are reported. The Ba_0.12Sr_0.88SO₄ phosphor was prepared by chemical co-precipitation method. The X-ray diffraction study of prepared sample suggests orthorhombic structure with average grain size of 37 nm. The samples were irradiated with 1.2 MeV Argon ions at fluences varying between 10¹¹-10¹⁵ ions/cm². The argon ions penetrate to the depth of 1.89 μm and lose their energy mainly via electronic stopping. Due to ion irradiation, a large number of defects in the sample are formed. Thermoluminescence (TL) glow curves were recorded for each of the ion fluence. These curves exhibit one broad peak with maximum intensity at 498 K composed of three overlapping peaks. This indicates that different sets of traps are being activated within the particular temperature range each with its own value of activation energy (E) and frequency factor (s). The peaks were observed due to formation of trap levels by ion irradiation and subsequently activation of traps on thermal stimulation. The TL response of the nanophosphor is linear in the dose range 59 kGy-590 MGy. Kinetic parameters associated with the prominent peaks were calculated using glow curve deconvolution (GCD) and verified by different glow curve shape and sample heating rate methods.     

The effect of heat treatment on the thermoluminescence of naturally-occurring calcites and their use as a gamma-ray dosimeter

The feasibility of using naturally-occurring calcite for gamma-ray dosimetry was investigated. Anneal treatment above 350°C increased the sensitivity of all radiation-induced TL peaks except the glow peaks above 300°C. On the other hand, annealing in air, at a temperature of 700°C caused a collapse in the TL sensitivity. The increase in TL efficiency was found to depend on the annealing temperature and time. Heating at 600°C for 5 h and quenching in ambient air are the optimum conditions for TL sensitivity enhancement in the calcite materials investigated. These results are explained using the energy scheme of the pre-dose model of Zimmerman (1971) and in terms of the impurity rearrangements in the crystal lattice induced by heating. It was found that the values of the kinetic parameters E, s and b for TL glow peaks remained unchanged for annealed samples. The TL dose–response curves for stable dosimetric peaks of annealed and unannealed calcite samples could be fitted to the same linear mathematical function. This implies that the annealing process probably does not change the nature of the trapping centers except the low temperature TL peaks at 125 and 160°C of flowstone. The TL dosimetric parameters of calcite samples annealed, including glow curves, fading characteristics, dose–responses, dose-rate responses and energy responses, have also been studied in detail. The response to gamma-rays of annealed calcite samples was found to be linear from 0.05 to 10⁴ Gy. The lower limit of observable doses for each calcite sample was about 0.05 Gy. This offers the possibility of applying the investigated materials for gamma-ray dosimetry within this useful range. These dosimeters can be used in various applications, such as, in industries related to chemical technology (polymerization), food processing and in determining the dose received by the patient during medical examination and treatment.     

Effects of 60Co gamma-ray irradiation on the optical properties of natural and synthetic quartz from 85 to 300 K

Optical absorption and luminescence measurements have been made between 85 and 300 K on natural and synthetic quartz during and after ⁶⁰Co gamma-ray irradiation. Absorption vs. dose curves can be resolved into the sum of a saturating exponential and a linear component. At 85 K the slope of the linear component is small, while at 300 K the linear term dominates the growth curves. The coloring induced by irradiation at 85 K decreased in a complex manner during anneal at a linear rate to 300 K. During this annealing process multiple-peak thermoluminescent (TL) glow curves were observed and recorded. The TL emission spectra are described accurately by single Gaussian-shaped bands, whereas the gamma-ray induced luminescence is comprised of several poorly resolved bands. All recorded TL glow curves are characterized by a set of four first order glow peaks between 150 and 220 K. The temperature dependence of radioluminescence intensity is described by a classical model in which a temperature-independent radiative transition competes with a thermally activated non-radiative process.     

Thermoluminescence in two varieties of jadeite: Irradiation effects and application to high dose dosimetry

The thermoluminescence properties of white (WJ) and green (GJ) mineral jadeite have been investigated with a view to be of use in high dose dosimetry. WJ presented glow curve with 110, 190 and 235 °C peaks. All these peaks grow with radiation dose. The glow curve of GJ the green variety has TL peaks at 140, 210, 250 and 330 °C. We also observed that there is a difference between the TL glow curves for both samples, irradiated with gamma and electron. As expected the green jadeite can be used for measurement of dose as high as 50 kGy.     

Thermoluminescence characteristics of hydrogenated amorphous zirconia

This paper reports the experimental results concerning the thermoluminescent (TL) characteristics of hydrogenated amorphous zirconium oxide (a-Zr:H) powder prepared by the sol–gel method. The advantages of this method are the homogeneity and the purity of the gels associated with a relatively low sintering temperature. Hydrogenated amorphous powder was characterized by thermal analysis and X-ray diffraction. The main TL characteristics investigated were the TL response as a function of the absorbed dose, the reproducibility of the TL readings and the fading. The undoped a-Zr:H powder presents a TL glow curve with two peaks centered at 150 and 260 °C, respectively, after beta irradiation. The TL response a-Zr:H as a function of the absorbed dose showed a linear behavior over a wide range. The results presented open the possibility to use this material as a good TL dosimeter.     

TL,OA and ESR of spessartine garnet

Thermoluminescence (TL), optical absorption (OA), electron spin resonance (ESR) and their relation to point defects in spessartine have been investigated. The TL glow curve presented four peaks at 150, 220, 260 and 335 °C. The 150 and 335 °C TL peaks growth curves presented a linear growth with radiation dose up to about 400 Gy, supralinearity above this dose, and saturation around 800–1000 Gy. The OA spectrum presented allowed spin transition bands due to Fe³⁺ and Mn²⁺ in dodecahedral environment. Absorption bands due to ultraviolet charge transfer of Fe³⁺ in octahedral and tetrahedral positions were also observed. Two ESR, a strong one around g?～?2 due to Fe³⁺ in octahedral position, and another weaker one at g?～?4 due to Fe³⁺ in tetrahedral position, have been detected. The effect of high temperature annealing (600–900 °C) before irradiation was also investigated.     

Thermoluminescence Kinetic Parameters of TLD-600 and TLD-700 after ~(252)Cf Neutron+Gamma and ~(90)Sr-~(90)Y Beta Radiations

The thermoluminescent(TL) properties such as glow curve structure, relative thermoluminescence sensitivity,dose response linearity of lithium fluoride thermoluminescent dosimeters 6 LiF:Ti,Mg(TLD-600) and 7 LiF:Ti,Mg(TLD-700) are investigated after irradiation ~(252)Cf neutron+gamma and ~(90)Sr-~(90)Y beta sources at room temperature and then the obtained results are compared. The kinetic parameters, namely the order of kinetics b,activation energy Ea and the frequency factor s,are calculated using the computerized glow curve deconvolution(CGCD) program. The effect of heating rate on the glow curves of dosimeters is also investigated. The maximum TL peak intensities and the total area under the glow curves decrease with the increasing heating rate. There is no agreement with the kinetic parameters calculated by the CGCD program for both radiation sources.     

Dosimetric properties of rare earth doped LiCaBO3 thermoluminescence phosphors

Lithium Calcium borate (LiCaBO₃) polycrystalline thermoluminescence (TL) phosphor doped with rare earth (RE³⁺) elements has been synthesized by high temperature solid state diffusion reaction. The reaction has produced a very stable crystalline LiCaBO₃:RE³⁺ phosphors. Among these RE³⁺ doped phosphors thulium doped material showed maximum TL sensitivity with favorable glow curve shape. TL glow curve of gamma irradiated LiCaBO₃:Tm³⁺ samples had shown two major well-separated glow peaks at 230 and 430 °C. The glow peak at 430 °C is almost thrice the intensity of the glow peak at 230 °C. The TL sensitivity of the phosphor to gamma radiation was about eight times that of TLD-100 (LiF). Photoluminescence and TL emission spectra showed the characteristic Tm³⁺ peaks. TL response to gamma radiation dose was linear up to 10³ Gy. Post-irradiation TL fading on storage in room temperature and elevated temperatures was studied in LiCaBO₃:Tm³⁺ phosphor.     

Comparative investigations of TL and OSL in KCI:Eu2+ crystals irradiated with UV and X-rays

Abstract

We present thermoluminescence (TL) glow curves and optical stimulated luminescence (OSL) response from both KCl:Eu²⁺ crystals irradiated with soft X-rays (20 KV, 80 μA) and ultraviolet light (230 nm). Two situations take place. First, we observed that for long time F-light bleaching (560 nm) the typical TL glow curve of X-rays irradiated KCl:Eu²⁺ resembles the TL glow curve of UV-irradiated samples. Second, along with OSL measurements, we have performed a thermal bleaching and we have addressed F and F_z participation in OSL. These results provide us a supportable correlation between F and F_z as responsible centers for OSL and TL processes.