LiSr4(BO3)3:Ce3+ phosphor as a new material for ESR dosimetry

Area of Science:

• Solid State Chemistry
• Radiation Dosimetry
• Spectroscopy

Background:

• Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) and Thermoluminescence (TL) are sensitive techniques for radiation dosimetry.
• Phosphate-based phosphors are investigated for their potential in radiation detection.
• Cerium-doped lithium strontium borate phosphors offer unique optical and paramagnetic properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate LiSr4(BO3)3:0.01Ce(3+) phosphor for measuring radiotherapeutic doses using ESR.
• To characterize the ESR signals and their correlation with TL properties.
• To determine the dose-response linearity and signal fading for dosimetry applications.

Main Methods:

• Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) spectroscopy was used to analyze irradiated phosphor samples.
• (60)Co gamma irradiation was employed to induce paramagnetic centers.
• Isochronal annealing experiments were conducted to study trap centers and their relation to TL glow curves.
• Dose-response and signal fading were investigated over a specific dose range.

Main Results:

• The ESR spectrum of irradiated LiSr4(BO3)3:0.01Ce(3+) phosphor exhibited five distinct signals.
• The strongest ESR signal was linked to the same trap center responsible for the 473 K peak in the TL glow curve.
• A linear dose-response was observed for the ESR signal in the range of 0.89 to 90.30 Gy.
• Signal fading characteristics were also analyzed.

Conclusions:

• LiSr4(BO3)3:0.01Ce(3+) phosphor shows potential as a material for ESR-based radiotherapeutic dose measurements.
• The correlation between ESR signals and TL properties provides insights into the dosimetric mechanism.
• The linear dose response and investigated fading suggest its suitability for quantitative dosimetry.