Thermoluminescence properties of undoped and Tb3+ and Ce3+ doped YAG nanophosphor under UV-, X- and β-ray irradiation

The thermoluminescence (TL) properties of undoped, Ce3+ and Tb3+ doped Y3Al5O12 (YAG) nanocrystals under UV-, X- and β-rays irradiation is reported. The TL signal of undoped and doped samples indicates a high sensitivity to UV-, X- and β-ray irradiation. The introduction of the doping ions induces changes in the trapping processes and the TL efficiency. The results show that both undoped and doped YAG nanocrystalline phosphor present good TL efficiency as well as good dose response which qualify them as a potential UV-, X- and β-ray dosimeter. A linear response under X-ray irradiation is observed for low doses level in the 0.02-1.02 μGy range and for relatively high doses level of β-ray irradiation in the range from 10 to 600 Gy. © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved