Time-resolved spectroscopy of LiF:Mg,Cu,P.

Area of Science:

• Solid-state physics
• Materials science
• Luminescence spectroscopy

Background:

• LiF:Mg,Cu,P is a widely studied material for dosimetry applications.
• Understanding its luminescence properties is crucial for optimizing its performance.
• Previous studies have focused on thermoluminescence, but time-resolved spectroscopy offers deeper insights.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the time-resolved luminescence characteristics of LiF:Mg,Cu,P.
• To understand the influence of annealing temperature and ionizing radiation dose on emission spectra.
• To explore the differences in luminescence under various excitation sources.

Main Methods:

• Time-resolved spectroscopy was employed to measure luminescence intensities and decay.
• Measurements were conducted as a function of annealing temperature (up to 300°C) and gamma radiation dose.
• Excitation was performed using a 266 nm pulsed laser and X-rays.

Main Results:

• Two distinct emission peaks were observed at 367 nm and 466 nm under 266 nm laser excitation.
• Annealing up to 300°C significantly enhanced the 367 nm and 466 nm emission bands by an order of magnitude.
• X-ray excitation yielded a dominant emission around 390-400 nm, differing from laser excitation spectra.
• Additional long-wavelength emission bands, not seen in thermoluminescence, appeared and increased with radiation dose.

Conclusions:

• Annealing and radiation dose critically affect the luminescence of LiF:Mg,Cu,P.
• The observed emission spectra suggest complex defect dynamics influenced by excitation source and treatment.
• Further investigation is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms behind the observed luminescence bands.