Laser induced effects in the optical properties of Tb3+-doped phosphate scintillating glasses

Optical absorption, photo- and thermo-luminescence measurements were perfor med on (NaPO3)(x)(GdPO4)(y)(TbPO4)(z) (x = 60-77 mol%; y = 20-30 mol%; z = 3-10 mol%) glasses. Pronounced changes of photoluminescence intensity of th e leading 542 run emission line of Tb3+ were observed during prolonged exci tation (irradiation) by 308 nm XeCl excimer laser line into the Gd3+ P-6(5/ 2) excited state, Laser irradiation also gave rise also to optical absorpti on that peaks at around 5.4 MeV and to a thermoluminescence glow peak at 19 5 degreesC. Similar optical absorption and thermoluminescence features were found by ionising (X-ray) irradiation. The results are explained by taking into account energy exchange between the Gd-sub-lattice and deep traps in the glass matrix. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.