Thermoluminescent response of C-modified Al₂O₃ thin films deposited by parallel laser ablation plasmas

Aluminium oxide thin films modified with different amounts of carbon were prepared using a parallel laser ablation plasmas configuration. The effect of the amount of carbon incorporated in the films on their compositional, morphological, structural, and thermoluminescent properties was studied. The results showed that films with different C content, from 11 to 33 at. %, were obtained. The structural characterization revealed the growth of an amorphous material. Surface morphology of the obtained thin films showed smooth surfaces. The films were exposed to UV and gamma radiation (Co-60) in order to study their thermoluminescence response. The results tend to indicate that carbon incorporation into the alumina favours the increase of a high temperature TL peak. (paper)