A review of the optically and thermally stimulated luminescence properties of aluminosilicates

This paper reviews the main literature describing models for thermoluminescence (TL), optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) and radiophotoluminescence (RPL) in aluminosilicate materials, namely natural feldspar minerals and synthetic glasses. The work examines the different models proposed to explain the various luminescence phenomena and compares them with each other. The models include thermally and optically stimulated excited-state tunneling, band-tail state hopping, and ionization and transportation through the band-tail states and/or the conduction band. Temperature and stimulation wavelength are critical parameters, with one model or another dominating over different temperature and/or wavelength ranges. Some recommendations for future research are noted. •Models for TL, OSL and RPL in feldspars and synthetic aluminosilicate glasses are reviewed.•Models include thermally and optically stimulated, excited-state tunneling and ionization.•The role of the band-tail states is demonstrated.•Recommendations are made for future research.