Effect of the irradiation dose on the luminescence emission of a Mg-rich phyllosilicate

This paper reports on the thermoluminescence and cathodoluminescence behaviour of a well-characterized sepiolite (Si₁₂Mg₈O₃₀(OH)₄(OH₂)₄ x 8H₂O). Both natural and induced thermoluminescence curves display a complex emission suggesting a continuum in the trap distribution involving multiorder kinetics. UV-IR cathodoluminescence spectral emission shows five wavebands at 330, 400 and 440 (associated with structural defects, [AlO₄] or non-bridging oxygen hole centers) and 520 and 770 nm (linked to point defects). This daily-use material, that is of interest since could be employed for personal dosimetry in the case of radiation accident or radiological terrorism where conventional monitoring has not been established, were never investigated before. (author)