Thermoluminescence properties of ZnO and ZnO:Yb nanophosphors

ZnO and ZnO:Yb thermoluminescence nanophosphors have been developed and tested under beta radiation. Spherical nanoparticles of sizes ranging from 130 to 1200 nm were prepared through a glycol mediated chemical synthesis. The Yb doping had a thermoluminescence quenching effect compared to undoped ZnO. The 5% Yb concentration produced a low fading, a single thermoluminescence glow peak structure, and a dose linearity behavior adequate for thermoluminescence dosimetry applications. The ZnO:Yb nanophosphor has a great potential as a dosimeter for monitoring in ionizing radiation fields. (c) 2006 American Institute of Physics.