Influence of the sintering process of ZrO2 pellets on thermoluminescence induced by ultraviolet radiation

ZrO2 pellets were made by cold pressing. It has previously been found that sintered ZrO2 pellets can produce thermoluminescence (TL) when irradiated by 254, 302 and 366 nm ultraviolet radiation. The influence of the sintering process of ZrO2 pellets on TL is presented in detail. Parameters of the sintering process, including sintering temperature, heating rate and the time pellets were kept at the sintering temperature, were investigated experimentally. The results show that some of these parameters can affect the TL sensitivity and the existence of TL peaks. The experimental parameters of the sintering process were used to fabricate ZrO2 pellets for application in ultraviolet dosimetry. (author)