Thermoluminescence and exo-electron emission from alkali azides

Abstract

Thermoluminescence and emission of exo-electrons have been studied from uv-irradiated and non-irradiated samples of potassium, rubidium, cesium and sodium azides. The experimental data led to the conclusion that the luminescence phenomena observed at low temperatures are due to reactions involving “V” centers as well as the decomposition intermediates N ⁻₂ and N ⁻₄ . Above room temperature, the coincidence of luminescence and exo-electron emission suggests true thermoluminescence; however, excited nitrogen species are also believed to be responsible for part of the emission. At temperatures near the melting point luminescence and electron emission are associated with the thermal decomposition of the specimen.