Radiation dosimetry using optically stimulated luminescence in fluoride phosphate optical fibres

Optically stimulated luminescence has been demonstrated within a fluoride phosphate glass optical fibre. These fibres have been used as the basis of a novel dosimeter architecture whereby the optical fibre acts as both the sensing and light guiding component. Fibres were fabricated from a commercially acquired glass and irradiated using a Sr-90/Y-90 source. Following optical stimulation with a 532 nm laser, optically stimulated luminescence of 483 +/- 18 cnts/g/mu J was detected. In addition to OSL, scintillation of 6155 +/- 78 cnts/s was also measured. A linear response between 0.16 - 2 Gy of irradiation was measured, after which the intensity was observed to plateau. These results indicate the potential suitability of fluoride phosphate optical fibres for radiation sensing applications. (C) 2011 Optical Society of America