Correlation between mechanoluminescence and lyoluminescence in gamma-irradiated KBr:Ce3+ phosphor for radiation dosimetry

Comparative study of mechanoluminescence (ML) and the lyoluminescence (LL) of γ-irradiated coloured powder of KBr:Ce3+ (0.1–10 mol%) phosphor is reported in this paper. Correlation between mechanoluminescence and lyoluminescence is observed, based on the formed colour centre due to γ-irradiation. All samples were prepared by a wet-chemical method. Single isolated ML and LL glow curve is observed in all samples. The variation of peak ML and LL intensities with gamma rays exposure and with different concentration of Ce3+ doped in KBr:Ce3+ is studied. The ML and LL intensities are found to be dependant on concentrations of Ce3+ and gamma radiation dose. The variation of peak ML and LL intensities of KBr:Ce3+ (0.5 mol%) with different gamma dose is found to be sublinear upto 1.5 kGy high dose and then the intensity becomes saturated. Negligible fading in the prepared sample is observed.

► Comparative study of ML and LL of γ-irradiated coloured powder of KBr:Ce3+ phosphor.
► Samples were prepared by a wet-chemical method.
►  The variation of ML and LL peaks intensity of KBr:Ce3+ with exposures is found as sublinear upto 1.5 kGy high dose.
► Negligible fading is observed in the prepared phosphors.
► Prepared phosphors may be applicable for accidental dosimetry.