OSL response of α-Al2O3:C, Mg exposed to beta and UVC radiation: A comparative investigation

Continuous wave optically stimulated luminescence (CW-OSL) of an Al2O3:C, Mg single crystal was investigated after irradiation with ultraviolet C radiation (UVC; peak emission at 254 nm) as well as with a beta source under different doses (100 mGy – 3 Gy). Analysis of the OSL decay curves provided experimental evidence that: i) UVC- and beta-irradiated Al2O3:C, Mg single crystal showed similar OSL decay curves, and that ii) a same fast (τ~2.9 s) and a same slow (τ~29 s) components were identified in the OSL decay curves for both types of radiation. On the other hand, analysis of the results suggested that radiation type generated distinct initial concentration of charges trapped at these two traps. The differences in the OSL decay curves were attributed either to differences in the initial population of the traps or to a balance of trapping-detrapping during UV irradiation. •OSL response of Al2O3:C, Mg to UVC and beta radiations was similar.•OSL decay curves for both types of radiation resulted in a fast and a slow component.•The integral of the OSL decay curve presented an exponential response with UVC exposure time.•Saturation was due to UVC detrapping or to small concentration of trapped electrons.