Fabrication and characterization of a composite dosimeter based on natural alexandrite

Abstract This work aims at demonstrating the fabrication of a new composite material based on the micron-sized powder of the alexandrite mineral (BeAl2O4:Cr3+) dispersed in a fluorinated polymer for OSL dosimetric applications. Composites with 50 wt% alexandrite powders were obtained and characterized in their chemical composition, mechanical, and luminescent properties. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy mapping measurements of the pellets revealed a homogeneous distribution of alexandrite particles throughout the organic matrix. PL measurements showed the signal related to Cr3+ ions in alexandrite remained active besides all fabrication steps, and tensile tests showed the pellets to have good ductility and tensile strength. The OSL results showed the integrated intensity signal varied linearly with the beta irradiation dose and that the pellets were stable at room temperature over time of 28 days. Nevertheless, improvements in the fabrication process are necessary toward obtaining the same OSL intensity from different pellets.