Study of the luminescent properties of KMgF3:Sm

Abstract

The photoluminescence (PL), radioluminescence (RL) and thermoluminescence (TL) of KMgF3 doped at several Sm concentrations have been investigated. The maximum TL and RL yield under beta irradiation has been observed in KMgF3:Sm 0.02 mol%. The glow curve of this doped perovskite is made up of at least five peaks located at 95, 120, 160, 270, and 330 C. The third peak appears to be the most convenient for personal or environmental dosimetry, since it shows no fading and good linearity within the investigated dose range (0.020–200 Gy). From the RL and PL spectra it has been found that most of KMgF3:Sm emission is located at wavelengths higher than 650 nm. This emission, which is characteristic of Sm2þ, makes this doped compound attractive for fiber-optic dosimetry.