termoluminesents

Termoluminesents refers to the phenomenon where certain crystalline materials emit light when heated. This light emission occurs after the material has been exposed to ionizing radiation, such as gamma rays or X-rays. The radiation causes electrons within the material to become trapped in defects or impurities within the crystal lattice. When the material is subsequently heated, these trapped electrons gain enough energy to escape their traps and return to their normal energy levels. As they transition back, they release their excess energy in the form of photons, which we perceive as light. This emitted light is called thermoluminesents.

The intensity of the thermoluminesents is directly proportional to the amount of radiation the material has absorbed. This property makes termoluminesents useful for a variety of applications, particularly in dosimetry, the measurement of radiation dose. Thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) are small devices containing thermoluminesent materials that can be worn by individuals working with radiation or placed in environments to monitor radiation levels. After exposure, the TLD is heated in a laboratory, and the emitted light is measured to determine the accumulated radiation dose. Other applications include dating archaeological artifacts and in certain types of security screening. The specific materials used for thermoluminesents vary, with common examples including lithium fluoride and calcium fluoride.