Study of optically stimulated luminescence of Tb³⁺/Sm³⁺ doubly doped K₂YF₅ single crystals

In this work the optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) properties of K₂YF₅ crystals doubly doped with Tb³⁺ and Sm³⁺ ions have been investigated for the first time. The OSL response of K₂YF₅ crystals containing different dopant concentrations under optical stimulation with different wavelengths has been analyzed. Dosimetric properties of the most efficient composition, namely, K₂YF₅:1.0 at% Tb³⁺;1.0 at% Sm³⁺, have been studied. Finally, the possible application of this single crystal to OSL dosimetry has been evaluated. - Highlights: • K₂YF₅ doped with Tb and Sm have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. • The OSL properties of these crystals have been investigated for the first time. • The crystals show the characteristics 4f–4f luminescence of the Tb³⁺ and Sm³⁺ ions. • The maximum OSL response has been obtained for K₂YF₅:1.0 at% Tb³⁺;1.0 at% Sm³⁺. • Tb/Sm doubly doped K₂YF₅ shows less OSL fading than Tb singly doped K₂YF₅