Similarity of trap state and thermoluminescence processes of Y 3 Al 5 O 12 (YAG):Ce for X-ray and UV irradiation

We have compared the trap states of electrons and holes responsible for the thermoluminescence of Y3Al5O12(YAG):Ce crystals and ceramics after X-ray or UV irradiation. In the case of X-rays, electrons and holes are trapped at different sites, whereas UV irradiation affords the photo-ionization of Ce3+ ions, in which electrons are trapped on certain sites and the holes afford Ce4+ ions. We found a dominant band in the thermoluminescence spectra after irradiation, attributed to the 5d–4f transitions of Ce3+ ions. The glow curves in both cases have peaks present at the same temperatures and have similar relative intensities. These results indicate that both the trap states and thermoluminescence processes are similar between the types of irradiation.