Thermoluminescence of γ-irradiated polytetrafluoroethylene

The measurements of the thermoluminescence glow curves of polytetra-fluoroethylene (PTFE) irradiated in air and in vacuum are made in the temperature range -196 to 150°C. Seven glow peaks appear at the following temperatures; 126, 104, 38, 22, -8, -67 and -96°C. The glow peaks which appeared at -67°C in the case of irradiation in vacuum and at -96°C in the case of irradiation in air are the principal ones. The spectra and the decays of these glow peaks are measured. The effects of the crystallinity of the sample on the glow are examined. The results are interpreted on the basis of electron-trapping theory, and some deductions are given of the luminescence centers and the electron traps.