Effects of proton irradiation on triboluminescent materials such as ZnS:Mn

Research has shown that the fluorescence decay time can be used to measure temperatures in adverse environments, such as those found in space. Development of space-based phosphor sensors will depend heavily upon research investigating the resistance of phosphors to ionizing radiation. Research completed at the Alabama A and M University Center for Irradiation of Materials (CIM) shows that a 3 MeV proton fluence as small as 2.28 x 1013 mm-2 statistically reduces the ZnS:Mn decay time for temperatures less than 200 oC. Reductions in decay time appear to be proportional to increasing 3 MeV proton fluence beyond 2.28 x 1013 mm-2. It is possible that radiation induced dislocations in ZnS:Mn or the formation of sooty carbon in the binder could account for some of these reductions