SYNTHESIS OF LI2B4O7-CU PHOSPHOR

Li2B4O7 is a low-Z, tissue-equivalent material and several phosphors b ased on this material are proposed for use in dosimetry of ionizing ra diations using thermoluminescence. The synthesis of this phosphor usin g boric acid is a bit tricky as the stoichiometry and the crystallinit y of the product depend on several factors. A new synthesis using soli d state diffusion is used. The characterization of Li2B4O7:Cu phosphor thus prepared, using XRD, thermoluminescence, and PL techniques is de scribed. It is also shown that the crystalline Li2B4O7:Cu containing m onovalent Cu has good TL sensitivity, while glassy Li2B4O7 and divalen t Cu are detrimental for TL.