HfO2 luminescent properties and its dosimetry applications to ionizing radiation

• Grant number: 20/15562-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: December 01, 2021
• End date: November 30, 2022
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Electrical Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Sonia Hatsue Tatumi
• Grantee: Alvaro de Farias Soares
• Supervisor: Clemens Woda
• Host Institution: Escola Politécnica (EP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: German Research Center for Environmental Health, Germany
• Associated to the scholarship: 19/20121-3 - Study of morphological and luminescent properties of HfO2 nanocrystals synthesized by precipitation method, BP.DD

Abstract

Ionizing radiation dosimetry by Thermoluminescence (TL) has been used since 1940, and currently, researchers suggest the use of Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL). Luminescent dosimeters are used to monitor doses received by laborers working in environments equipped with sources/devices that emit radiation, in addition to patients. Thus, such monitoring is essential to ensure people's well-being. In this respect, a material that is gaining focus in the literature, due its properties, is Hafnium Oxide (HfO2). However, few studies have reported its luminescent properties, and those on TL and OSL are even more scarce. In this way, the project aims to synthesize pure and Ag doped HfO2 nanocrystals, analyze their morphological and luminescent properties, the influence of heat treatment and doping, and their application as a dosimeter. For this, the material will be synthesized by the coprecipitation method. TL and OSL measurements will be carried out on proper readers, after doses of beta, gamma, X-ray and ultraviolet radiation. The morphology and composition will be verified by electron microscopy and spectroscopy. Therefore, an in-depth study of the TL and OSL properties is foreseen, with scientific articles publication, and potential use as a commercial dosimeter. For this purpose, the Institute for Radiation Medicine (IRM) of the German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH) offers excellent infrastructure and qualified technical staff, which will contribute to a solid study development. (AU)