MgO:Fe as an absolute radiation dosimeter
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Abstract:
Iron impurities can take the 1+, 2+, or 3+ valence state in substitutional lattice sites in MgO. Virtually no Fe3+ remains after annealing in a reducing atmosphere. Upon irradiation with x rays or electrons, holes are trapped at Fe2+ sites. The resulting Fe3+ ion absorbs ultraviolet photons at 285 nm. Monitoring the radiation-induced growth of the Fe3+ optical absorption band provides the basis of using MgO:Fe as a solid-state dosimeter analogous to the ferrous sulfate chemical dosimeter.
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