Sensitisation of thermally stimulated exo-electron emission and thermoluminescence of BeO discs

Abstract

Sintered BeO discs show a strong TSE (thermally stimulated exo-electron emission) peak at 280 degrees C. These also emit a strong thermoluminescence (TL) glow peak at 180 degrees C and a weaker TL glow peak at 280 degrees C. Pre-exposure to gamma-rays enhances the TSE as well as the TL response of these discs. The enhancement of TSE response is by as much as ten times and that in TL by a factor of up to about two depending on the amount of pre-exposure. This sensitisation may be related to unannealed residual traps. A strong residual TSE peak is indicated beyond 325 degrees C.