Characterization of Al2O3: C,Mg single-crystal for UV dosimetry using the OSL technique

• Grant number: 20/07289-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2020
• End date: December 31, 2020
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Physics - Nuclear Physics
• Principal Investigator: Neilo Marcos Trindade
• Grantee: Daniel Lazaro Santiago
• Host Institution: Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia de São Paulo (IFSP). Campus São Paulo. São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

In this research, we propose to investigate the effects of UV radiation on crystals of aluminum oxide doped with carbon and magnesium (Al2O3: C, Mg), using the Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) technique. Al2O3: C, Mg is a material known, due to its application, as detectors of fluorescent nuclear tracks (FNTD). Recent studies show that these crystals exhibit the intensity of the OSL decay curve, proportionally to a wide dose range of ionizing radiation to which they are previously exposed. Although FNTD's have been heavily investigated to work in clinical dosimetry, there are no reports on applications in environmental dosimetry, for example, monitoring of UV radiation. In view of this fact, since UV radiation is harmful and can be carcinogenic, it is necessary to investigate new materials with sensitivity to UV radiation. Therefore, this work will analyze the shape and intensity of the OSL curve of Al2O3: C, Mg as a function of exposure times to UV radiation, and investigate the parameters that describe the OSL curve. Thus, it is intended to contribute with knowledge of this new material in the dosimetry field, especially in relation to sensitivity to UV radiation. The research will be carried out in collaboration with the University of São Paulo.