Gamma ray induced sensitization of 110 degrees C TL peak in quartz separated from sand

Abstract

We have investigated the gamma ray induced sensitization of the 110 degrees C TL peak in quartz, separated from sand, in the dose range 30-750 Gy. A pre-dose of 100 Gy followed by annealing at 500 degrees C for 1 h yielded an optimum sensitization factor of 14.2 for a test gamma dose of 0.5 Gy; this factor decreases slowly up to the studied pre-gamma dose of 750 Gy. From ESR studies carried out in the temperature range 25-550 degrees C, the formation of E'(1)-centres and their subsequent decay (at temperatures >400 degrees C) have been observed. The released charge carriers (electrons) may lead to elimination of competitors (as a result of their filling up). Thus, the radiation-induced sensitization of the 110 degrees C TL peak could be due to elimination of the competing deep traps. (. .