Thermoluminescence and activation energies in NaYF4 phosphor containing gadolinium

In the present investigation an attempt is made to understand the role of gadolinium as dopant and the nature of the traps that are produced in NaYF4 on γ-irradiation along with the changes in kinetic processes which occur at low doses. The observations described in the present work seem to give a better insight not only into the thermoluminescence mechanism involved in this system but also into the possibilities of using this material in thermoluminescent dosimetry. In particular, the information obtained on a glow peak at 1300C the intensity of which grows with increase in radiation dose and which is stable even after annealing for long periods in the dark, could be useful in assessing the dosimetric potential of this material. (author)