Thermoluminescence of Eu-doped ZrO₂ thin films exposed to ultraviolet and visible light

This paper reports the experimental results of studying the thermoluminescence (TL) of ZrO₂ doped with Eu exposed to light of wavelength in the range of 200-900 nm. The photoluminescence spectrum induced by 275 nm UV light exhibited three maxima at 588, 612 and 650 nm with the major emission at 612 nm. Among 210, 260 and 320 nm UV light for the same exposures, the 260 nm UV radiation induced the highest TL response. Its glow curve exhibited two peaks at 120 and 290°C for all the wavelengths studied. The 120°C peak faded completely within the first 24 h after exposure. Meanwhile, the 290°C peak shows great stability for a long time. The TL response of Eu-doped ZrO₂ exposed to 260 nm as well as to 320 nm UV light was linear for a wide range of exposure times. The results showed that ZrO₂:Eu films deposited on glass substrates have the potential to be used as UV dosimeters in personal or environmental closimetry.