Ultraviolet thermoluminescent dosimetry using terbium-doped zirconium oxide thin films

The experimental results of studying the thermoluminescent (TL) properties of ZrO₂ thin films doped with TbCl₃ exposed to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) of wavelength in the range of 200 to 400 nm are reported. The photoluminescence spectrum induced by 275 nm UVR exhibited four maxima at 487, 547, 582, and 619 nm with the major emission at 612 nm. The glow curve exhibited two peaks at 112°C and 270°C for all the wavelengths studied. The TL response of Tb-doped ZrO₂ exposed to 260 nm UVR was linear in the range of 40 to 240 μJ.cm^-2 spectral irradiance. The results showed that ZrO₂:Tb has appropriate characteristics for use as a UV dosemeter. The high sensitivity and linear response range found, allow accurate measurements within a few seconds' exposure.