Energy storage behaviour of some binary alkali borate glasses by thermoluminescence studies

Thermoluminescence behaviour of a series of binary alkali borate glasses has been investigated to study their energy storage mechanism. Sodium borate glasses of varying composition have been prepared and their glow curves recorded after exposing them to X-rays (CuK radiation, 30 kV, 10 mA) of different dosages at room temperature. The effect of the nature and concentration of alkali oxide and the dose of irradiation on the nature of thermoluminescent glow curves were also studied. Borate glasses containing different concentrations of Na₂O exhibit significantly different glow curves. These glow curves have been analysed and the nature of traps responsible for TL emission are tentatively identified. The broad and complex nature of the glow pattern is attributed to distribution of trap depths in these materials. The viability of borate glasses in the construction of TL dosimeters are discussed.