Comparing the monochromatic TL response of a high sensitivity natural quartz irradiated with β and γ rays

Fania Caicedo; Pedro Luiz Guzzo; Viviane  Khoury Asfora

doi:10.15392/bjrs.v10i2A.2026

Authors

Fania Caicedo UFPE
Mr. Universidade Federal de Pernambuco https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3415-8618
Mrs. Universidade Federal de Pernambuco https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7549-4522

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15392/bjrs.v10i2A.2026

Keywords:

thermoluminescence, quartz, sensitization, dose-rate, deep trap

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of the dose-rate in the thermoluminescent glow curves of a single crystal of quartz. The samples were sensitized by the γ radiation combined with the heat-treatments. The glow curves were registered in zeroed (unsensitized) and sensitized conditions using an optical filter centered in violet spectral region. Tens mGy test doses were administered with one β (⁹⁰Sr/⁹⁰Y) source and two γ radiation sources (⁶⁰Co and ¹³⁷Cs). The TL curves were deconvoluted using a first-order kinetic model. Differences in the glow curves and trapping parameters were observed between zeroed and sensitized samples. Differences were found in the TL curves comparing the three radiation sources. The principal variation is the remarkable increase in the TL signal above 350 °C, which is observed only in sensitized samples with the minor dose-rate source (¹³⁷Cs). This signal seems to be associated with deep trapping states. The intensities of the components defining the first peak and the high temperature signal show a dependence on the dose-rate. The dose-rate dependence of the first-peak components is explained by the competing effects that may take place during the excitation stage. The components that fitted the sensitized peak (260 ^oC) do not exhibit a clear dependence on the dose-rate of radiation source.

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Author Biographies

Mr., Universidade Federal de Pernambuco

Graduated in Mechanical Engineering (Federal University of Uberlândia, 1988); Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering (Materials and Processes) from the State University of Campinas (1992) and a PhD in Sciences pour l'Ingenieur (Applied Crystallography) from the Université de Franche-Comté de Besançon (1996).

Professor at the Department of Mining Engineering at the Federal University of Pernambuco (Adjunct 2004-2013; Associate 2014-).

Mrs., Universidade Federal de Pernambuco

Graduated in Electrical Engineering from the Federal University of Pernambuco and a BA in Computer Science from the Catholic University of Pernambuco. She completed her master's (2010) and doctorate (2014) in Nuclear Energy Technologies at the Federal University of Pernambuco.

Adjunct professor at the Federal University of Pernambuco. She participates in the Research Group on Dosimetry and Nuclear Instrumentation at DEN / UFPE and develops activities in the areas of nuclear dosimetry and instrumentation, with emphasis on luminescent techniques for dating and dosimetry.

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