Thermoluminescence dosimeter (TLD) studies of Ca10 K(PO4 )7 :Dy phosphor for applications in radiation dosimetry.

ABSTRACT

This study reports the thermoluminescence (TL) aspects of Ca10 K(PO4 )7Dy phosphor synthesized using a wet chemical method for the first time. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) results confirm the formation of the desired crystalline phase. Surface morphological studies reveal the formation of polyhedrons and agglomerations having an average diameter of 200 nm, while energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) data show the presence and composition of the elements in appropriate amounts. The effect of Dy doping concentration has been studied on the TL properties with exposure to gamma radiations from the Co-60 source. The best TL response has been observed for 5 mol% Dy doping concentration. The glow curve is simple and consists of a single peak at 130°C. The effect of the heating rate has been studied on the TL glow curve, and the heating rate of 5°C/s shows the best TL response. The various TL properties such as annealing conditions, dose-response, TL linearity, fading, and reusability of the prepared phosphor have been studied to check its suitability as a good TL dosimeter (TLD). TL characterization of the phosphor reports that the TL response is linear from 5- to 2000 Gy. The results show that this phosphor can be a good TLD for the dosimetry of gamma radiations from Co-60.