Characterization of Optical and Thermoluminescent Properties of Lunar Regolith Simulants

• Grant number: 24/14975-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: October 01, 2024
• End date: September 30, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Mining Engineering - Mineral Prospecting
• Principal Investigator: Neilo Marcos Trindade
• Grantee: Gabryel Silva Afonso
• Host Institution: Instituto de Física (IF). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 24/03006-4 - Stimulated Luminescence of Simulant Minerals Martians and Lunars, AP.R

Abstract

Space agencies have a strong interest in understanding the conditions of the lunar surface and radiation levels to develop technologies for future missions. This project focuses on evaluating the optical and thermoluminescent properties of lunar simulant minerals provided by NASA, aiming to determine their viability as ionizing radiation detectors. The analysis of thermoluminescence (TL) emission curves will allow the determination of kinetic parameters, such as activation energy, frequency factor, and kinetic order of the dosimetric peaks, which describe the luminescent characteristics of the investigated minerals. The analysis will include an investigation of the dosimetric properties of these selected minerals. Additionally, optical absorption (OA) measurements in the UV-VIS spectrum will be conducted to investigate the absorbing centers, and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) will be used for chemical characterization and identification of associated mineral phases. The research will seek to determine the sensitivity of lunar regoliths to ionizing radiation and assess their capacity to record exposure.