Thermoluminescence as a Research Tool to Investigate Luminescence Mechanisms

Journal Article (2017)
Author(s)

A.J.J. Bos (TU Delft - RST/Fundamental Aspects of Materials and Energy)

Research Group
RST/Fundamental Aspects of Materials and Energy
Copyright
© 2017 A.J.J. bos
DOI related publication
https://doi.org/10.3390/ma10121357
More Info
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Publication Year
2017
Language
English
Copyright
© 2017 A.J.J. bos
Research Group
RST/Fundamental Aspects of Materials and Energy
Issue number
12
Volume number
10
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Abstract

Thermally stimulated luminescence (TSL) is known as a technique used in radiation dosimetry and dating. However, since the luminescence is very sensitive to the defects in a solid, it can also be used in material research. In this review, it is shown how TSL can be used as a research tool to investigate luminescent characteristics and underlying luminescent mechanisms. First, some basic characteristics and a theoretical background of the phenomenon are given. Next, methods and difficulties in extracting trapping parameters are addressed. Then, the instrumentation needed to measure the luminescence, both as a function of temperature and wavelength, is described. Finally, a series of very diverse examples is given to illustrate how TSL has been used in the determination of energy levels of defects, in the research of persistent luminescence phosphors, and in phenomena like band gap engineering, tunnelling, photosynthesis, and thermal quenching. It is concluded that in the field of luminescence spectroscopy, thermally stimulated luminescence has proven to be an experimental technique with unique properties to study defects in solids.