Structure and luminescence properties of $\hbox {K}_{{2}}\hbox {GdF}_{{5}}$:$\hbox {Tb}^{3+}$ synthesized by solid-state reaction method

Abstract

$\hbox {K}_{{2}}\hbox {GdF}_{{5}}$:$\hbox {Tb}^{3+}$ material used in dosimetry field was synthesized by solid-state reaction method. The scanning electron microscopy image showed that the material exhibits porous surface with a very large surface area. The photoluminescence spectrum confirmed energy transfer process from $\hbox {Gd}^{3+}$ ions to $\hbox {Tb}^{3+}$ ions, and the luminescence of this material was entirely due to Tb ions. The high luminescent intensity at 542 nm was perfectly consistent with the sensitive wavelength range of photomultiplier tubes in the thermoluminescence (TL) reader. The TL-glow curve was very simple with the temperatures of the main peak in the range from 200 to $230^{\circ }\hbox {C}$, and the glow-curve shape was suitable for dosimetry purposes. The TL intensities of $\hbox {K}_{{2}}\hbox {GdF}_{{5}}$:10 mol% $\hbox {Tb}^{3+}$ was higher than that of common $\hbox {CaSO}_{{4}}$:$\hbox {Dy}^{3+}$ dosimeters. The estimation on available application of the prepared material in neutron dose measurement was carried out.