Radiation Induced Effects on Phosphor Powder Photoluminescence

Abstract

Since their discovery, phosphors have been studied extensively and have pervaded our everyday lives. Despite the wealth of research conducted on phosphor powders there has been no research published on long-term effects of radiation-induced damage within the photoluminescence spectra. Phosphors have the potential for the use as radiation sensors, where they could conceivably be distributed over a surface and queried from afar. This work establishes the sensitivity of the luminescence spectra of two different phosphor materials to different types and amounts of exposure. Changes in photoluminescence spectra were quantified by comparing pre and post exposure intensity measurements and emission curves for each material, synthesis method and exposure type. Trends for the changes in photoluminescence intensity are reported along with data from variability measurements.