Radioluminescence of rare-earth doped aluminum oxide

Al2O3:C is one of the most used radioluminescence materials for fiberoptic dosimetry due mainly to its high efficiency. However, this compound presents the drawback of emitting in the spectral region, where the spurious radioluminescence of fibers is also important. In this work, sintered samples of Al2O3:C doped with Tb, Sm, Ce and Tm have been prepared by combustion synthesis and their radioluminescence responses have been evaluated. The influence of the different activators on the radioluminescence spectra has been investigated. - Highlights: ► Rare earth doped Al2O3 as radiation detector for fiberoptic dosimetry evaluated. ► Samples fabricated by low cost combustion synthesis (CS) route. ► Positive: CS successes to incorporate rare earth cations into Al2O3 host. ► Positive: Constant response on dose, no afterglow and red emission. ► Negative: low efficiency. CS procedure deserves improvement.