Radiophotoluminescence behavior in Ag-doped phosphate glasses

Radiophotoluminescence (RPL) is an emission phenomenon induced by the photoexcitation of luminescent centers (RPL centers) formed by ionizing radiation. Ag-doped phosphate glasses exhibiting RPL are applied in glass badge dosimeters used for personal monitoring. In this paper, we discuss the RPL behavior of Ag-doped phosphate glasses and their properties along with RPL center formation and disappearance mechanisms. When Ag-doped phosphate glasses are exposed to ionizing radiation, Ag 0 , Ag 2+ , and Ag m n+ , such as Ag 2 + , clusters are formed because Ag + acts as an electron and hole trap. Ag 2+ is formed by the transfer of holes from PO 4 3− tetrahedra. On the other hand, electrons are trapped by Ag + to form Ag 0 . Subsequently, Ag 2 + is formed by the association between Ag 0 and Ag + owing to the diffusion of Ag + . Ag 0 is attributed to blue RPL center, while Ag 2+ and Ag 2 + are attributed to orange RPL centers. Moreover, Ag 2 + and Ag 2+ disappear upon heating at 500 and 673 K, respectively.