thermolumineszcencia

Thermoluminescence is a phenomenon where certain crystalline materials emit light when heated. This light emission is a result of energy previously absorbed by the material from sources like natural background radiation or artificial radiation. This absorbed energy becomes trapped within the crystal lattice at specific defect sites. When the material is heated, the trapped electrons gain enough energy to overcome the binding forces and return to a lower energy state. As they transition back, they release their excess energy in the form of photons, which we observe as light. The intensity and spectrum of this emitted light are characteristic of the material and the amount of radiation it has been exposed to.

This property makes thermoluminescence useful in various applications, most notably in thermoluminescence dating. By measuring the thermoluminescence emitted by an artifact or geological sample, scientists can estimate the time elapsed since it was last exposed to significant heat or radiation. This technique is widely used in archaeology to date pottery, ceramics, and heated stones, as well as in geology to date sediments and volcanic rocks. Another important application is in radiation dosimetry, where thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) are used to measure cumulative radiation exposure in environments or for individuals working with radioactive materials. The emitted light from a TLD is proportional to the absorbed radiation dose, allowing for accurate monitoring and safety assessments.