Preparation and TSL studies in Tb activated LiMgPO4 phosphor

LiMgPO4:Tb3+ phosphor was synthesized by solid state reaction. The thermally stimulated luminescence (TSL) glow curve of Tb doped LiMgPO4 exhibits a main TSL peak at 170 °C with shoulders at 100 and 260 °C on either side of this peak. The TSL sensitivity of the phosphor was found to be about 2.5 times that of CaSO4:Dy phosphor. TSL emission and photoluminescence (PL) studies show that Tb3+ ion acts as luminescence centre in this phosphor. The kinetic parameters, namely activation energy (E) and frequency factor (s) associated with the main glow peak have been determined using peak shape method. The activation energy and frequency factor obtained are 1.35 ± 0.03 eV and (6.53 ± 0.43) × 1014 s−1 respectively. The paper discusses the dosimetric characteristics like dose response, fading, energy response and minimum detectable dose and results thereof.

► LiMgPO4:Tb is prepared by solid state diffusion method.
► Its TSL sensitivity of about 2.5 times that of CaSO4:Dy phosphor and shows a linear TSL response up to the dose of 1 kGy.
► The fading of the dosimetric peak is less than 7% for 1 month.
► Can be used for personal dosimetry and high dose dosimetry using TSL technique.