Characterization of the optical and thermoluminescent properties of quartz from the south of Minas de Gerais (Brazil)

• Grant number: 21/05042-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): September 01, 2021
• Effective date (End): September 30, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Mining Engineering - Mineral Prospecting
• Principal Investigator: Neilo Marcos Trindade
• Grantee: Isabela Alves Ferreira
• Host Institution: Instituto de Física (IF). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated scholarship(s): 22/14925-5 - Time-resolved Optically Stimulated Luminescence in Rose Quartz, BE.EP.IC

Abstract

Dosimetric materials, natural and synthetic, are used to determine the radiation dose received in the environment, as well as in medical and technological activities. Natural dosimeters find application, for example, in retrospective dosimetry and can be a less expensive alternative to synthetics. Within this context, the objective of the research is to investigate the effects of ionizing radiation in quartz from the southern region of Minas Gerais, using the Thermoluminescence (TL) technique. From the emission curve TL, it is possible to obtain kinetic parameters, such as energy, frequency factor, and kinetic order of the possible dosimetric peaks, which describe the luminescent characteristics of the material. In addition, based on the types of quartz (blue, pink, green, and white) that present a stable luminescent signal, parameters such as repeatability, reproducibility, and fading will be investigated. In addition, to verify the influence of ionizing radiation on the optical properties of quartz, the effects of pre-and post-irradiation on the optical absorption bands (AO), in the ultraviolet-visible region, will be investigated. In addition to the aforementioned characterizations, other characterizations are proposed such as Radioluminescence (RL), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Dispersive Energy Spectroscopy (EDS). It is expected to identify the defects that promote luminescence, investigate the types of quartz with potential for study in dosimetry, and obtain future patents. (AU)