Dosimetric characterization of highly sensitive OSL phosphor: LiCaAlF6:Eu, Y. (December 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dhabekar, Bhushan; Rawat, N.S.; Gaikwad, N.; Kadam, Sonal; Koul, D.K.
• Is Part Of: Radiation measurements. Volume 107(2017:Dec.)
• Page Start: 7
• Page End: 13
• Publication Date: 2017-12
• Subjects: Thermoluminescence -- Dosimetry -- Optically stimulated luminescence -- Photoluminescence -- LiCaAlF6:Eu, Y; Nuclear emulsions -- Periodicals; Particle tracks (Nuclear physics) -- Periodicals; Thermoluminescence -- Periodicals; Cosmic rays -- Periodicals; Radiation -- Measurement -- Periodicals; Radiometry -- Periodicals; Radiation Monitoring -- Periodicals; Émulsions nucléaires -- Périodiques; Particules (Physique nucléaire) -- Traces -- Périodiques; Thermoluminescence -- Périodiques; Rayonnement cosmique -- Périodiques; Radiométrie -- Périodiques; 539.77
• DOI: 10.1016/j.radmeas.2017.10.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1350-4487

Abstract

Abstract: The paper presents the dosimetric characterization of lithium calcium aluminum fluoride doped with europium and yttrium (LiCaAlF6 :Eu, Y), synthesized by simple melt process. The characterization involved thermoluminescence (TL), optically stimulated luminescence (OSL), photoluminescence (PL) spectra, OSL emission spectra, minimum measurable dose, fading, dose response and photon energy dependence measurements. The OSL sensitivity of this phosphor to ionizing radiation was found to be ∼20 times to that of commercially available Al2 O3 :C, whereas, the TL sensitivity was ∼2.5 times to that of CaSO4 :Dy (0.05 mol%). Photoluminescence (PL) and OSL emission spectra suggest that the Eu 2+ ions are responsible for OSL emission. The reusability of OSL discs for 50 cycles for a test dose of 20 mGy has been established. Minimum detectable dose for the phosphor in continuous wave OSL (CW-OSL) mode was found to be 0.5 μGy with negligible fading post 9 days of irradiation. Owing to its excellent dosimetric characteristics the phosphor is a highly sensitive dosimetric grade phosphor and is a serious contender for various radiological applications. Highlights: Highly sensitive, dosimetric grade and cost effective TL/OSL phosphor LiCaAlF6 :Eu, Y has been synthesized. The TL sensitivity of this phosphor is about 2.5 times to that of CaSO4 :Dy. OSL sensitivity is about 20 times to that of commercially available Al2 O3 :C. Minimum detectable dose for the phosphor in CW-OSL mode is 0.5 μGy. OSL emission at 370 nm matches with PL emission corresponding to Eu 2+, indicating that Eu 2+ acts as a luminescence center.