Spectral and thermoluminescence characteristics of high gamma dose irradiated Dy:LiKB4O7 single crystals

A tissue-equivalent TL dosimeter single crystal of Dy:LiKB4O7 (Dy:LKBO) was grown by the Czochralski technique. Phase purity of the grown crystal was confirmed by powder XRD analysis. The optical bandgap (Eg) of the grown crystal was calculated from UV-Vis-NIR spectral analysis to be 5.1 eV. Photoluminescence spectrum of Dy:LKBO crystal reveals prominent emission in green region when excited with UV light (346 nm). The grown crystal was subjected to γ-irradiation for dose ranges of 26, 52, 78, 104, 130 and 156 Gy using Co-60 source. The dose range was selected according to the personal and clinical requirements standards. The thermoluminescence analyses of γ-irradiated crystalline samples were performed; the glow curve measurement, fading effect, dose-response and reusability were analyzed and discussed in detail. The experimental results confirm that the Dy:LKBO single crystal can act as a potential material in TL dosimetry applications.