Investigation of the Optically Stimulated Luminescence of Lunar Regolith Simulants

• Grant number: 25/00094-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: March 01, 2025
• End date: September 30, 2026
• 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 research grant: 24/03006-4 - Stimulated Luminescence of Simulant Minerals Martians and Lunars, AP.R

Abstract

Space agencies are interested in understanding the conditions of the lunar surface and radiation levels to develop technologies for future missions. This study focuses on evaluating mineral simulants that represent lunar materials, aiming to assess their potential as ionizing radiation detectors using the Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) technique.From the OSL emission decay curve, it is possible to estimate important parameters, such as the lifetime of metastable states. Additionally, by decomposing the curve, different emission components associated with specific traps in the material can be identified, providing a more detailed understanding of the luminescence processes and the properties of defects present in the sample. Parameters such as repeatability, reproducibility, and fading will also be analyzed.Furthermore, complementary characterizations are proposed, including Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), and X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF). The expected results have the potential to significantly contribute to the development of radiation detectors for future lunar missions, positioning Brazil as a key player in this field.