β-Irradiated thermoluminescence response of nanocrystalline YAGG:Pr3+ for radiation dosimetry

Abstract Garnet type Y2.99Al5−xGaxO12:0.01Pr3+ (YAGG:Pr3+) nanocrystals with varying Ga concentration (x = 0, 1, 2.5, 4) were synthesized by combustion synthesis. X-ray diffraction revealed highly crystalline structure with an increase in the lattice parameter and distortion of the cubic crystal upon Ga incorporation. XPS results demonstrated the presence of desired compositional elements and the substitution of Ga at the Al site. Thermoluminescence glow curves exhibit complex shapes comprising of four main peaks with a shift in the peak maxima and decreasing sensitivity from x = 0–4. Ga incorporation altered the distribution of trap levels enhancing the dose-response behavior of the samples. The reproducibility studies displayed that the nanophosphors are reusable with minimal changes in the TL output. The results indicate the potential of YAGG:Pr3+ for dosimetry applications.