Highly Sensitive Thermoluminescent Anion-Defect Alpha-Al2O3:C Single Crystal Detectors

Abstract

New highly sensitive thermoluminescence detectors of universal application on the basis of anion-defect a-Al₂O₃:C single crystals have been developed. The decisive role of non-stoichiometry in forming luminescence properties of crystals has been ascertained by methods of optical, luminescent and exoemission spectroscopy. Detectors possess the sum total of unique dosimetric properties: sensitivity to gamma radiation 50 times higher than that of LiF:Mg,Ti: low background; dose threshold about 10^-6 Gy; a single glow peak at 460 K; blue luminescence band at 420 nm; negligible fading and possibility of re-use without annealing procedures.