PL and TL study of NaMgSO4F:X (X=Dy or Ce) fluoride phosphor by SSD method

Dy3+ and Ce3+ emission in NaMg(SO4)F phosphor prepared by the solid state diffusion (SSD) method is reported in this paper. The synthesized phosphors are studied for their photoluminescence (PL) and thermoluminescence (TL) characteristics. The emission spectra of Dy3+ show dominant peaks at 473 nm and 572 nm for an excitation of 274 nm due to the F-4(9/2)-> H-6(15/2) and F-4(9/2)-> H-6(13/2) transitions respectively, while the emission spectra of Ce3+ peak at 345 nm for an excitation of 254 nm due to the 5d -> 4f transition of Ce3+. In this host very low concentration of cerium is used. In NaMg(SO4)F:Dy3+ a single peak is observed at the temperature of 170 degrees C and in NaMg(SO4)F:Ce it is located at 172 degrees C when they are exposed to gamma-rays for 5 Gy at the rate of 0.995 kGyh(-1). NaMg(SO4)F:Dy is more sensitive whereas, NaMg(SO4)F:Ce less sensitive as compared to standard CaSO4:Dy. NaMg(SO4)F:Dy phosphor may be useful for TLD application. (c) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.