Luminescence properties of feldspars from the Northeast region of Brazil

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the thermoluminescence (TL) and infrared-stimulated luminescence (IRSL) properties of three types of feldspars from the districts of Solonópole and Parelhas located in the Northeast region of Brazil in order to propose a preheat procedure to minimize the anomalous fading effect in these materials. The feldspar samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF). The XRD analysis showed that the feldspar from Solonópole and one of the samples from the Parelhas district were classified as microcline (K-feldspar). The other sample from Parelhas was classified as albite (Na-feldspar) mixed with low concentration of muscovite and quartz. Studies of the fading effects in TL and IRSL signals for 30 days and preheating effects from 50 to 250°C for 10 minutes were carried out with these samples. The results show that preheating at 125°C is sufficient to avoid the 30 days fading. The TL and IRSL dose responses for 60Co gamma radiation were studied in the range of 1 to 400 Gy. The results showed a linear response in the range of 1 to 100 Gy for the two types of Parelhas feldspars and from 50 to 400 Gy for the Solonópole feldspar. The low sensitivity showed by the feldspar from Solonópole is discussed in relation to its mineralogical composition. It is concluded that the TL and IRSL sensitivities are not associated with K- and Na- types of feldspar. The results of this paper will contribute to a standardized moderate annealing treatment for retrospective dosimetry and dating.