Enhanced thermoluminescence properties of synthetic topaz/corundum composites

Synthetic topaz composites have shown great promise in dosimetry applications. In particular, samples made from Al₂O₃ and synthesized by the chemical vapor deposition method (CVD) have shown numerous desirable characteristics for thermoluminescent (TL) dosimetry. This study further investigates the dosimetric properties of topaz/corundum samples, since it has recently been discovered that many of the sample properties can be improved by pre-irradiation. Glow curve analysis reveal that these compounds exhibit sensitization upon exposure to beta radiation. In particular, the efficiency of the main glow peak increases by more than four times after the samples are irradiated at high doses (280 Gy). Linearity and repeatability studies of the glow curve signal are also carried out to fully understand how the material is affected by sensitization. Possible explanations for this phenomenon are discussed. A T_m-T_stop study was performed to determine the number of TL glow peaks and, a glow curve deconvolution was carried out to further study the trapping states in these synthetic topaz composites.