Device for mechanoluminescence excitation by applying gradually varying pressure on the sample

534-537A low cost set-up has been designed and developed for producing mechanoluminescence (ML) by continuously varying pressure on the sample. The ML of γ-irradiated BaAl2O4:Eu phosphor has been studied. ML is excited impulsively by dropping a load through guiding cylinder and by applying continuously varying pressure on the sample. When BaAl2O4:Eu phosphor is deformed impulsively, a single peak with shoulder is observed in the time versus ML intensity curve, while number of peak is observed when continuously increasing pressure applied on to the sample. When pressure is continuously decreased less number of peaks is observed as compared to that of increasing pressure. The enhancement in ML intensity with γ-irradiation suggests that BaAl2O4:Eu is a suitable candidate for ML dosimetry.