Abstract
This work investigates the effect of particle size in the thermoluminescence (TL) response of a quartz crystal that was initially crushed and classified into ten size fractions between 38 μm and 5 mm. Aliquots of each size fraction were sensitized with a dose of 25 kGy of γ rays and heat-treatments at 400 °C. TL glow curves of sensitized and non-sensitized samples were recorded as a function of different test-doses of γ rays. For the non-sensitized samples, the TL peak near 325 °C increases with the decrease in particle size. In the case of sensitized samples, a strong TL peak near 300 °C increases with the increase in particle size up to mean grain size equal to 304 μm. Above 304 μm, an abrupt reduction in the TL intensity is noticed for the sensitized peak. These effects are discussed in relation to the specific surface area of quartz particles and the intensity of the electron paramagnetic resonance signal of the E'1 center induced by the sensitization process.
Highlights
Thermoluminescence (TL) of α-quartz has been the subject of numerous investigations in the last five decades since the discovery of its practical use for archeological and geological dating
These results show that the TL intensity of the peak near 325 °C increases with decreasing particle size
An opposite effect is observed with respect to particle size, i.e., the TL intensity at 215 °C decreases with decreasing particle size
Summary
Thermoluminescence (TL) of α-quartz has been the subject of numerous investigations in the last five decades since the discovery of its practical use for archeological and geological dating. Zimmerman[4] was one of the first to report an increase in the sensitivity of this peak using γ doses of few hundred Gy and heat treatment at 500-900 °C This procedure was further studied and let the extensive use of the 110 °C peak for dating and environmental dosimetry[5,6,7,8]. The peaks appearing near 320 and 370 °C have been mainly used in dating protocols[2,3] but they are not used in TL dosimetry due to its low sensitivity These peaks are not suitable for clinical dosimetry because for such kind of application the TL dosimeter (TLD) should assess a large range of doses from 10–6 to 102 Gy12
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
