Thermoluminescence from natural calcites

Abstract

Thermoluminescence (TL) as well as absorption and EPR spectra of X-irradiated natural calcites have been obtained. Irradiation produces UV absorption bands and a decrease of the Mn2+ EPR spectrum. A correlation of each TL peak with the bleaching steps of UV absorption bands and the recovering in intensity of the Mn2+ EPR spectrum has been found. These experimental results support a new model for the radiation damage and thermoluminescence process in calcites. The main point in this model is that holes become trapped at impurities, and the electrons are trapped at dislocations in the form of CO33-.