Optically stimulated luminescence in KCl:Cu x-irradiated at room temperature

Abstract

Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) has been observed in single crystals of KCl:Cu x-irradiated at room temperature. It is shown that electrons are liberated from anion sites during the OSL process. The OSL predominantly involves emission due to radiative transition (d↔s) of monovalent copper ions present in the lattice. The OSL emission shows a strong temperature dependence indicating a thermally assisted process. Electron-hole recombination followed by energy transfer to the Cu activator is suggested as a possible OSL mechanism in KCl:Cu. Preliminary results of OSL in KBr:Cu are also presented.