Full Length ArticleThermoluminescence and photoluminescence properties of Mn4+, Pr3+,4+, Nd3+ and Eu3+ in MgAl2Si2O8

•Mn4+ doped and Pr3+, 4+, Nd3+, Eu3+ co-doped MgAl2Si2O8 phosphors were analyzed.•Glow curves and trap parameters were measured after beta and alpha irradiations.•When α irradiation is used, TL maxima are shift to lower temperature region.•Samples gave PL emission at about 676-679 nm after they were exposed to β and/or α.•PL lifetimes of the samples can be determined after they were exposed to β or α.

Mn4+ doped and Pr3+, 4+, Nd3+ and Eu3+ co-doped MgAl2Si2O8 host phosphors were exposed to beta and alpha irradiations and the glow curves were recorded. The phosphors exposed to beta irradiation have a main peak at about 276±2 °C (MgAl2Si2O8:Mn4+), 265±2 °C (MgAl2Si2O8:Mn4+, Nd3+), 270±2 °C (MgAl2Si2O8:Mn4+, Pr3+, 4+) and 246±2 °C (MgAl2Si2O8:Mn4+, Eu3+). When alpha irradiation is used instead of beta irradiation, the glow peaks are shift to a lower temperature region. The standard Tm−Ts procedure was applied to all phosphors and it was shown that the main glow peaks consist of the superposition of two peaks (named peaks 4 and 5). The dose sensitivity, reproducibility and fading features of the powdered phosphors were investigated in the dose range from 7.5 to 2.5 kGy. From computerized glow curve deconvolution analysis, the kinetic parameters of peaks 4-5 were computed, and it was found that peak 4 is first ordered and peak 5 is general ordered ranging from 1.2 to 1.6. Also, all the samples gave PL emission spectra at about 676 nm after they were exposed to beta and/or alpha irradiations. Additionally, the life times of all samples were determined and calculated.