ESR study of phosphorus-related defects in irradiated LiF:Mg,Cu,P and related phosphors

ESR results on the irradiated LiF:Mg,Cu,P are reported. A new defect centre was found. A comparative study of centres formed in various lithium phosphates allowed us to identify the defect centre in LiF:Mg,Cu,P as (PO4)2-(PO4)2- radical. The (PO4)2-(PO4)2- centres decay in the same temperature range as the main dosimetry peak of LiF:Mg,Cu,P. These findings are very important for understanding the mechanism of TL in LiF:Mg,Cu,P phosphor.