The Effects of Low-Energy Heavy Charged Particles on the Optically Stimulated Luminescence and Thermoluminescence of Aluminum Oxide and Beryllium Oxide

Abstract

Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) and Thermoluminescence (TL) are methods utilized to evaluate the energy absorbed by crystalline insulators. It is necessary to test luminescent materials in a controlled environment to elucidate the underlying luminescence processes involved and improve dosimeter properties. The goal of this work is to investigate the effects of low-energy heavy ion bombardment on the OSL and TL signals from Al2O3:C and BeO, which are two of the most prolific OSL dosimeters currently utilized. This dissertation describes the design and application of the particle accelerator luminescence beam constructed as part of this research, gives an overview of the two dosimeter materials studied, and discusses luminescence characteristics resulting from exposure to heavy charged particles (HCP), as well as [beta] and [alpha] emitting sources. Experimental irradiation parameters, such as ion type, energy per ion, total absorbed energy, and current, were systematically varied to better understand the fundamental TL and OSL mechanisms of Al2O3:C and BeO responsible for signal shape and magnitude. The shape change of OSL curves induced by increasing absorbed energy from HCPs is investigated for both materials. Lastly, a robust methodology for calculating luminescence effciency is outlined, and resulting values are presented. The BeO OSL proton effciencies calculated in this work are compared to previous results.