The radiothermoluminescence of (ZnS:CdS:Ag:Ni:Co) phosphors irradiated with beta-rays

The radiothermoluminescence characteristics have been studied for a number of (ZnS:CdS::Ag:Ni:Co) phosphors, with various cobalt impurity contents, after exposure to⁹⁰Sr beta-rays at room temperature. Thermoluminescent spectra show a peak wavelength of 7000 Å, which remains unchanged with increase in cobalt concentration. Thermoluminescence curves exhibit a single well-defined peak appearing at temperatures far above room temperature. This peak shifts to lower temperatures with increasing cobalt content. The relation between thermoluminescence response and dose is linear over the dose range of 1 to 500 rads. Thermoluminescence measurements made after storing the irradiated phosphor for 48 hours in dark have revealed an information loss of 4% over this storage period. The radiothermoluminescence characteristics, storage capacity and storage stability of these sulphide phosphors compete reasonably with those of lithium fluoride over the dose range of 1 rad to 500 rads.