Kinetic parameters of lithium and aluminium doped quartz from thermoluminescence glow curves

The thermoluminescence (TL) glow curves of irradiated annealed and non-annealed synthetic beta-quartz (Li0.73Al0.73Si1.27O4) synthesised using the ceramic method have been studied. Annealed samples (1200 degrees C for 12 h) exhibit some changes of shape and intensity in the TL glow curves when compared to non-annealed samples in the range of 0.1-5 Gy. These changes can be attributed mainly to thermal alkali self-diffusion through the lattice interfaces involving modifications in the components of the luminescent traps. In non-annealed samples six groups of components at about 100 degrees C, 130 degrees C, 160 degrees C, 210 degrees C, 330 degrees C and 450 degrees C can be found, whereas annealed samples only display one very intense peak at a lower temperature (deconvoluted into three peaks at 90 degrees C, 105 degrees C and 130 degrees C) and a lower intensity second wide broad emission at approximately 240 degrees C. In this paper, a computerised curve-fitting based on general order kinetics has been used to characterise the glow curve structure resolving trapping parameters for each glow peak: trap depth (E), frequency factor (s) and the order of the kinetics (b). The dose dependence of the individual components of the glow curve has been also studied. These data allow us to select the most stable component for use in dosimetric purposes.