Radioluminescence (RL) probe dosimetry using Al2O3 : C for precise calibration of beta sources applied to luminescence dating

Carbon doped Al2O3 (corundum) exhibits very broad radioluminescence (RL) as a result of ionising radiation irradiation. The stability of the trapped e lectrons and the linearity of the luminescence signal versus electron energ y qualifies this dosimeter material for use in source calibration using rad ioluminescence. For precise calibration of small beta and electron sources applied to radio luminescence dating a new method is suggested. This method is based on radi oluminescence dosimetry using the TL and OSL dosimeter Al2O3:C. In contrast to conventional calibration methods, the suggested approach uses the dose dependent RL signal of Al2O3:C at 3.00 eV, including when this material is used as a probe within other materials for which the dose rate of the sourc e has to be calibrated. This paper describes the RL characteristics of Al2O 3:C by means of a highly precise calibration protocol. (C) 2001 Elsevier Sc ience Ltd. All rights reserved.