Spectral and kinetic analysis of thermoluminescence from manganiferous carbonatite

Thermoluminescence spectra of manganiferous carbonatite has been studied from 30 °C to 400 °C over the wavelength range from 200 nm to 800 nm. The natural thermoluminescence appears above 200 °C and shows continuous spectral distribution from 240 nm to 800 nm. Above 500 nm the emission appears in the form of line structure emission. These are reproduced by laboratory irradiation which also produces broad bands near 100 °C. The emission features are attributed to presence of Mn2+ impurities in the carbonatite matrix. The spectral study was supplemented by kinetic analysis of the most prominent peaks and their kinetic features are reported. -- Highlights: • Thermoluminescence spectra of manganiferous carbonatite over 200 nm to 800 nm is reported. • A detailed kinetic analysis of associated electron traps has been carried out. • The emission is linked to Mn2+ impurities and transitions involved are proposed