Lyoluminescence and mechanoluminescence of Cu+ activated LiKSO4 phosphors for radiation dosimetry

Abstract

Synthesis of Cu+ activated LiKSO4 phosphor and its possible use as lyoluminescence (LL) and mechanoluminescence (ML) dosimeter has been discussed. Copper doped LiKSO4 were prepared by wet chemical method. Photoluminescence (PL) emission spectrum of LiKSO4:Cu phosphors showed two peaks near to, due to 3d94s1 ↔ 3d10 transitions of Cu+ ion in LiKSO4 matrix. In LL and ML glow curves single and double peaks are observed respectively, out of them first peak observed in deformation region was more intense than the second peak which occurred in post deformation region. Maximum LL intensity was observed for the sample having 0.05 mol% of Cu, however, ML intensity increased with increasing concentration of Cu+ ions in the range 0.01–0.2 mol%. LL and ML intensity showed linear response to gamma doses up to 1 kGy. LL and ML intensities increased linearly with the mass of the phosphors. Only 10% reduction in LL and ML intensity was found when it was recorded after 30 days from irradiation. Cu+ activated LiKSO4 phosphor shows less fading in LL and ML over a long time, linear γ-rays doses response up to 1 kGy, emission around 455 nm, and simple glow curve make this phosphor a useful candidate for LL and ML dosimetry.