Luminescence of ZrO2 compacts irradiated with high energy ions

Abstract

phosphors based on zirconium dioxide of various phase composition, widely used in modern technology, should have high stability of characteristics under various radiation effects. This is especially important when used in military and space technology, as well as in the nuclear industry. The determining factor influencing the stability of the luminescence properties of oxide dielectrics under irradiation is the formation of radiation-induced defects. The study of synthesized compacts and ceramics based on ZrO 2 is necessary to predict and improve the radiation resistance. This paper presents the results on the synthesis of zirconium dioxide compacts. The compacts were synthesized by pressing in the form of tablets under pressure in the range of 900-1500 kgf/cm 2 . The nanopowder of ZrO 2 consisted of 100% monoclinic phase. The compacts were irradiated with 220 MeV 132 Xe and 4.8 MeV 14 N ions to fluences (10 10 -10 14 ) ions/cm 2 at accelerator DC-60 (NurSultan, Kazakhstan). The spectra of photoluminescence (PL), pulsed cathodoluminescence (PCL) and thermoluminescence (TL) were investigated. Degradation of PL and PCL at high fluences is observed. The TL results indicate that ion irradiation leads to a change in the type of trap activation energy dependence on temperature.