Dependence of the anomalous fading of the TL and blue-OSL of fluorapatite on the occupancy of the tunnelling recombination sites

The anomalous fading (AF) of thermoluminescence (TL) and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) signals in Durango apatite is attributed to tunnelling effects. Electrons from the TL and OSL traps in this material are transferred, via a tunnelling effect, to the recombination sites. The availability of recombination sites for tunnelled electrons is of major importance for the degree of AF rate observed in this material. It is expected that a variation of the number of the electron recombination sites will be reflected in the experimentally measured AF rate. In the present work an investigation of the recombination sites for the tunnelled electrons is attempted by studying the AF effect using a special technique, in which the anomalously faded TL (OSL) is replaced by an equal amount of TL (OSL) induced by a beta dose.     

Further investigations of tunneling recombination processes in random distributions of defects

The shape of infrared stimulated luminescence signals (IRSL) from feldspars has been the subject of numerous studies in the field of luminescence dating. Specifically linearly modulated IRSL signals (LM-IRSL) are commonly assumed to consist of several first order components corresponding to distinct optical stimulation cross sections. This paper models the shape of LM-IRSL signals using a recently proposed kinetic model, which describes localized electronic recombination in donor–acceptor pairs of luminescent materials. Within this model, recombination is assumed to take place via the excited state of the donor, and nearest-neighbor recombinations take place within a random distribution of centers. The model has been used previously successfully to describe both thermally and optically stimulated luminescence (TL, OSL). This paper shows that it is possible to obtain approximate solutions for the distribution of donors in the ground state as a function of two variables, time and the distance between donors and acceptors. Approximate expressions are derived for several possible modes of optical and thermal stimulation, namely TL, OSL, linearly modulated OSL (LM-OSL), LM-IRSL and isothermal TL (ITL). Numerical integration of these expressions over the distance variable yields the distribution of remaining donors at any time t during these experimental situations. Examples are given for the derived distributions of donors in each experimental case, and similarities and differences are pointed out. The paper also demonstrates how LM-IRSL signals in feldspars can be analyzed using the model, and what physical information can be extracted from such experimental data. The equations developed in this paper are tested by fitting successfully a series of experimental LM-IRSL data for Na- and K-feldspar samples available in the literature. Finally, it is shown that the equations derived in this paper are a direct generalization of an equation previously derived for the case of ground state tunneling.     

Superlinear dose response of thermoluminescence (TL) and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) signals in luminescence materials: An analytical approach

The phenomenon of superlinear dose response of thermoluminescence (TL) and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) signals has been reported for several important dosimetric materials. We develop new analytical equations for the filling of traps and centers during irradiation and for the read-out stage of annealed luminescence materials, within the context of a two-trap and two-center model. The equations are applicable for both TL and OSL signals in annealed dosimetric materials, and are derived under the assumptions of low irradiation doses and dominant strong retrapping (weak recombination) processes. For low doses all traps and centers display linear dose response, which leads to quadratic dose response of the integrated TL/OSL signals. A new analytical expression is presented for this well-known quadratic dose dependence, in terms of the kinetic parameters in the model. The effect of elevated irradiation temperature on the integrated TL/OSL signals is also considered, and analytical expressions are obtained for this situation as well. A new type of dose-rate effect is reported based on the modeling results, which is due to irradiation during elevated temperatures. The accuracy of the analytical expressions is verified by comparing with the results of numerical simulations.     

OSL and TSL interrelations in SrSO4:Eu

Thermoluminescence (TL), dose-dependence of TL, optically stimulated luminescence (OSL), and EPR of Eu-doped strontium sulphate are studied. Eu enters the host lattice in 2+ charge state and does not change the charge state during energy storage and release. OSL disappears during pulse-step annealing of excited luminophor at the temperatures corresponding to dosimetric TL peak. Dosimetric TL peak can be destroyed by a continuous optical stimulation of excited sample. Ionizing radiation creates radiation defects in the host lattice, with the ionized sulphate anions being stable hole centres well above room temperature. Optical stimulation in the blue band (460–470 nm) causes the captured holes to be transported to the luminescence centres, similarly acts the heating of luminophor. The model of energy storage and release is discussed.     

Monte Carlo simulations of TL and OSL in nanodosimetric materials and feldspars

The study of luminescent materials consisting of nanoclusters is an increasingly active research area. It has been shown that the physical properties of such nanodosimetric materials can be very different from those of similar conventional microcrystalline phosphors. In addition, it has been suggested that traditional energy band models may not be applicable for some of these nanodosimetric materials, because of the existence of strong spatial correlations between traps and recombination centers. The properties of such spatially correlated materials have been previously simulated by using Monte Carlo techniques and by considering the allowed transitions of charge carriers between the conduction band, electron traps and recombination centers. This previous research demonstrated successfully the effect of trap clustering on the kinetics of charge carriers in a solid, and showed that trap clustering can significantly change the observed luminescence properties. This paper presents a simplified method of carrying out Monte Carlo simulations for thermoluminescence (TL) and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) phenomena, based on a recently published model for feldspar. This model is based on tunneling recombination processes involving localized near-neighbor transitions. The simulations show that the presence of small clusters consisting of a few traps can lead to multiple peaks in both the TL and linearly modulated OSL signals. The effects of donor charge density, initial trap filling and cluster size are simulated for such multi-peak luminescence signals, and insight is obtained into the mechanism producing these peaks.     

TL, OSL and ESR studies on beryllium oxide

Electron spin resonance (ESR) studies were carried out to identify the defect centres responsible for the thermoluminescence (TL) and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) processes in BeO phosphor. Two defect centres were identified in irradiated BeO phosphor by ESR measurements, which were carried out at room temperature and these were assigned to an O⁻ ion and Al²⁺ centre. The O⁻ ion (hole centre) correlates with the main 190 °C TL peak. The Al²⁺ centre (electron centre), which acts as a recombination centre, also correlates to the 190 °C TL peak. A third centre, observed during thermal annealing studies, is assigned to an O⁻ ion and is related to the high temperature TL at 317 °C. This centre also appears to be responsible for the observed OSL process in BeO phosphor.     

Dose-rate effect in the model of semi-localized transitions (SLT)

The model of semi-localized transitions (SLT) unifies two standard models of thermoluminescence (TL) and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) kinetics – the simple trap model (STM) and the model of localized transitions (LT). SLT equations were previously formulated for the heating stage of TL. This paper presents SLT equations for the excitation and fast relaxation stages. Exemplary calculations were performed to show the occurrence of dose-rate effect – previously found in STM. It is shown that the dose-rate effect occurs for both – localized and delocalized TL glow peaks.     

Monte Carlo simulations of luminescence processes under quasi-equilibrium (QE) conditions

Previous researchers have carried out Monte Carlo simulations of thermoluminescence (TL) phenomena by considering the allowed transitions of charge carriers between the conduction band, electron traps and recombination centers. Such simulations have demonstrated successfully the effect of trap clustering on the kinetics of charge carriers in a solid, and showed that trap clustering can significantly change the observed luminescence properties. While such Monte Carlo simulations have been carried out for TL, there has been no such trap clustering studies for optically stimulated luminescence phenomena (OSL). This paper presents a simplified method of carrying out Monte Carlo simulations for TL and linearly modulated optically stimulated luminescence (LM-OSL) phenomena, based on the General One Trap (GOT) model, which is a special case of the one trap one recombination center model (OTOR) when quasi-equilibrium conditions (QE) hold. The simulated results show that the presence of small clusters consisting of a few traps in a solid can lead to multiple peaks in both the TL and LM-OSL signals. The effects of retrapping and degree of trap filling are simulated for such multi-peak luminescence signals, and insight is obtained into the mechanism producing these peaks. The method presented in this paper can be easily generalized for other types of luminescence solids in which the recombination probability varies with time.     

Mechanisms of luminescent responses in thermal and optical stimulation of potassium feldspars

We propose a model describing the mechanism for generation of an optically stimulated luminescence signal in potassium feldspars when irradiated in an IR absorption band (IR OSL). The model assumes that this type of stimulated luminescence is intercenter by nature, arising in tightly bound deep trap/ionized luminescence center pairs. At the same time, the thermoluminescence (TL) signal and the optically stimulated afterglow (OSA) signal arise in a recombination process with participation of the conduction band. We describe the results of an experimental test of the proposed model.     

Intrinsic superlinear dose dependence of thermoluminescence and optically stimulated luminescence at high excitation dose rates

Superlinear dose dependence of thermoluminescence (TL) and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) has been reported for many materials. The theoretical explanation has been ascribed to competition of either traps or recombination centers, during the excitation stage or during the read-out phase. There has been an account in the literature on superlinearity of OSL associated with merely one trapping state and one kind of recombination center. This had to do with the process taking place during the read-out stage, namely the optical stimulation. In the present work, we report on a model of one trapping state and one kind of recombination center which results in a superlinear filling of the center. Thus, one can expect a superlinear dose dependence of the area under the resulting TL glow peak as well as the OSL signal. We follow this situation by writing the simultaneous nonlinear rate equations for the one-trap-one-recombination-center (OTOR) model and study the expected results by numerical simulation consisting of solving the equations with sets of the trapping parameters. We also present analytical results based on simplifying assumptions, and compare the analytical and numerical results. The effect is significant at relatively high dose rates. The main implication is that when one tries to evaluate by TL dosimetry a dose applied at a high rate, calibration of the TL dosimeter using much smaller dose rates may result in inaccurate results.     

Development of a new curve deconvolution algorithm for optically stimulated luminescence

A new computerized glow curve deconvolution (CGCD) algorithm for thermoluminescence(TL) and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) is presented. The proposed approach can be adopted in a numerical curve fitting for obtaining the relevant trapping parameters of a set of glow data taken with both thermal and optical stimulation. This method is based on the one trap one recombination center (OTOR) model with minimal simplifying assumptions. To demonstrate the ability of the method, a new computer program has been developed and tested with some synthetic OSL data.     

Investigation of defect centres responsible for TL/OSL in MgAl2O4:Tb

Magnesium aluminate doped with Tb³⁺ (MgAl₂O₄:Tb³⁺) was prepared by combustion synthesis. Three thermoluminsence (TL) peaks at 120, 220 and 340 °C were observed. PL and TL emission spectrum shows that Tb³⁺ acts as the luminescent centre. Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) was observed when stimulated by 470 nm blue light.Electron spin resonance (ESR) studies were carried out to identify the defect centres responsible for the TL and OSL processes in MgAl₂O₄:Tb³⁺. Two defect centres were identified in irradiated MgAl₂O₄:Tb³⁺ phosphor by ESR measurements which was carried out at room temperature and these were assigned to V and F⁺ centres. V centre (hole centre) is correlated to 120 and 220 °C TL peaks and F⁺ centre (electron centre), which acts as a recombination centre is correlated to 120, 220 and 340 °C.     

不同粒径α-Al2O3:C晶态粉体热释光和光释光特性

本文探讨了α -Al₂O₃:C晶态粉体的辐照剂量效应, 使用RisøTL/OSL-DA-15 型热释光和光释光仪研究其热释光和光释光特性, 结果发现, 相同粒径的α-Al₂O₃:C晶态粉体具有单一热释光峰, 且随着辐照剂量的增加热释光强度不断增加, 但热释光峰位置保持不变, 符合一级动力学模型; 而在相同的辐照剂量和测试条件下, 随着α -Al₂O₃:C晶态粉体粒径的减小, 其热释光强度先增强后减弱, 热释光峰却逐渐增加至趋于稳定, 表明粒度为40—60 μ的α -Al₂O₃:C晶态粉体具有最佳的热释光效应. 同时α -Al₂O₃:C晶态粉体的光释光特性的研究发现, 其光释光曲线具有典型的指数衰减特征, 粒径对其光释光强度和衰减速率的影响符合浅电子陷阱能级理论.     

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.     

A new look at the linear-modulated optically stimulated luminescence (LM-OSL) as a tool for dating and dosimetry

Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) has been in use for dosimetry and dating in the last two decades. Since the OSL dependence on time is a featureless decaying function, a linear-modulation of the stimulating-light intensity has been suggested [Bulur, E., 1996. An alternative technique for optically stimulated luminescence. Radiat. Meas. 26, 701–709.], which resulted in a peak-shaped curve. The properties of this curve have been studied, assuming first-, second- and general-order kinetics. In a recent paper we have shown [Chen, R., Pagonis, V., 2008. A unified presentation of thermoluminescence (TL), phosphorescence and linear-modulated OSL (LM-OSL). J. Phys. D: Appl. Phys. 41, 035102 (1–6).] that for general-order curves, the peak maximum cannot be expected to depend linearly on the dose of excitation. A new presentation of the LM-OSL has been suggested, in which the peak maximum is linear with the filling of trapping states, which, in turn, may be expected to be linear with the dose under appropriate conditions. In the present work, we report on results of numerical simulation of the LM-OSL using the one trap-one recombination center (OTOR) model, dealing with the traffic of carriers between one trapping state, one kind of recombination center and the conduction and valence bands during excitation and read-out, and without making any simplifying assumptions. The process during optical read-out has been followed in the simulation that consisted of the numerical solution of the relevant sets of coupled differential equations, and also by analytical treatment. Sets of parameters leading to approximately first- and second-order kinetics, and to intermediate cases, have been used and the results presented in the original and the new ways are shown. The consequences concerning dating and dosimetry are discussed.     

Kinetics of red, blue and UV thermoluminescence and optically-stimulated luminescence from quartz

The duration over which charge is retained at trapping sites is of fundamental importance for trapped electron dating. Here, we report measurements of the kinetic parameters of the prominent thermoluminescence (TL) glow peaks of quartz, and of the optically-stimulated luminescence (OSL) signal from quartz utilised for optical dating. The similarity in trapping lifetimes of the 325°C TL peak and the dominant component of the OSL signal are taken as further support for the hypothesis of their common origin in the same trapped electron population.     

热释光和光释光发光谱的测量

介绍了自行研制的计算机化热释光和光释光三维光谱测量装置的系统结构及其工作原理.在计算机的控制下,通过精密加热器或激发光源以热激发或光激发的方式使样品发光.从样品发出的光经过光路和光栅分光系统后,形成光谱,被高灵敏度的CCD采集,再将光谱图像模拟信号变为可以直接用计算机进行数据处理的数据信号.波长范围200~800nm,波长分辨率优于2nm,人机界面友好,操作方便.利用热释光和光释光三维光谱测量装置测量了SrSO₄:Eu(0.1%,摩尔分数)和CaSO₄:Eu(0.1%,摩尔分数)的光释光发光谱和热释光发光谱,得到SrSO₄:Eu的光释光发光波长与热释光发光波长均为375nm,而CaSO₄:Eu的光释光发光波长与热释光发光波长均为385nm,说明热释光和光释光具有相同的发光中心,均来自于Eu²⁺的能级跃迁.同时在CaSO₄:Eu的热释光发光谱中还观察到了Eu³⁺的发光.与二维发光曲线相比较,通过对三维热释光和光释光发光谱的研究,可以得到更丰富的信息,这有助于对热释光和光释光发光机制进行更深入的研究.     

An algorithm for unified analysis on the thermoluminescence glow curve

An algorithm was developed to integrally handle excitation by radiation, relaxation and luminescence by thermal or optical stimulation in thermoluminescence (TL) and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) processes. This algorithm reflects the mutual interaction between traps through a conduction band. Electrons and holes are created by radiation in the beginning, and these electrons move to the trap through the conduction band. These holes move to the recombination center through a valence band. The ratio of the electrons allocated to each trap differs with the recombination probability and these values also relevant to the process of luminescence. Accordingly, the glow curve can be interpreted by taking the rate of electron–hole pairs created by ionizing radiation as a unique initial condition. This method differs from the conventional method of interpreting the measured glow curve with the initial electron concentration allocated to each trap at the end of irradiation. A program using the Visual Studio's C# subsystem was made to realize such a developed algorithm. To verify this algorithm it was applied to LiF:Mg,Cu,Si. The TL glow curve was deconvoluted with a model of five traps, one deep trap and one recombination center (RC).     

Thermoluminescence dosimetry: State-of-the-art and frontiers of future research

The state-of-the-art in the use of thermoluminescence for the measurement of energy imparted by ionizing radiation is discussed. Emphasis is on the advantages obtainable by the use of computerized glow curve analysis in (i) quality control, (ii) low dose environmental dosimetry, (iii) medical applications (especially precision) and microdosimetric applications, and (iv) mixed field ionization-density–dosimetry. Possible frontiers of future research are highlighted: (i) vector representation in glow curve analysis, (ii) combined OSL/TL measurements, (iii) detection of sub-ionization electrons, (iv) requirements for new TL materials and (v) theoretical subjects involving kinetic modeling invoking localized/delocalized recombination applied to dose response and track structure theory including creation of defects.     

TL/OSL properties of crystalline inclusions from heavy,barytes loaded,concrete

In the present work, we report the luminescence data obtained from heavy, barytes loaded, concrete containing many crystalline inclusions, extracted from a shielding block located at CERN. The use of both Thermoluminescence (TL) and Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) signals, resulting from a specific trap at about 200 °C, is investigated for retrospective dosimetry purposes. By applying thermal cleaning experiments the TL signal of interest was isolated. Basic TL and OSL properties as thermal and optical stability, repeatability and mainly the linearity of the TL and OSL signals as a function of beta dose were investigated. The implications of all these luminescence properties to retrospective dosimetry are also briefly discussed.