Synthesis and characterization of Al2O3:C,Mg for application in luminescence dosimetry.

• Grant number: 23/18315-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: October 01, 2024
• End date: February 29, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Nuclear Engineering - Applications of Radioisotopes
• Principal Investigator: Neilo Marcos Trindade
• Grantee: Matheus Cavalcanti dos Santos Nunes
• Host Institution: Instituto de Física (IF). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Recent studies show that aluminum oxide crystals doped with carbon and magnesium (Al2O3:C,Mg) have high potential for application in the area of luminescent dosimetry, that is, as a solid-state ionizing radiation detector. The objective of this project is to produce pellets from Al2O3:C,Mg powders obtained by hydrothermal synthesis; and structurally and thermally characterize the samples. Furthermore, we intend to investigate the luminescent properties of the material synthesized using the Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL), Thermoluminescence (TL) and Radioluminescence (RL) techniques for application in radiation dosimetry. OSL and TL are luminescence emitted from a previously irradiated material that has been stimulated by light and heat, respectively; and RL is the luminescence emitted during stimulation with ionizing radiation. The parameters to be studied in this project will be dose-response, deconvolution of the curves, repeatability, reproducibility, and fading of the sample signal. Furthermore, we intend to explore charge mobility and trap distribution in the material using RL, OSL and TL spectrum, Time resolved-OSL, and Thermal assisted-OSL techniques. Finally, this project aims to present an alternative synthesis route for Al2O3:C,Mg, and verify its potential as a dosimetric material.