Study of a new natural detector for applications in the health and industry field

Abstract

Alexandrite has a chrysoberyl type structure with the incorporation of chromium in its lattice, chemical composition BeAl2O4: Cr3+. Currently, Brazil one of the largest producers of this mineral. However, there are still few studies about the physical properties of natural alexandrite. This material has been important technologically as a laser in medical applications, mainly in the area of dermatology and cancer treatment, with superior properties to its main competitors, ruby and Nd: YAG lasers. The objective of the research is to investigate the effects of ionizing radiation (X-rays, beta and gamma) and UV light in alexandrite using Thermoluminescence (TL) and Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) techniques. Preliminary studies show that alexandrite exhibits low intensity TL peaks at 110, 160 and 280C and a dominant peak at 350C. Unprecedented results that we obtained from OSL show an intense signal even at low doses of radiation. It is believed that impurities, especially Cr3+ and Fe3+, play an important role in these characteristics. It is proposed to carry out characterizations such as TL and OSL, as well as other characterizations that are necessary, as well as to investigate the applicability of these materials in dosimetry and a future patent. The research will be conducted at the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Clemson University, USA. (AU)