Radiophotoluminescence from Au-doped soda-lime silicate glass

Radiophotoluminescence (RPL) is the phenomenon of emission from luminescence centers formed by ionizing radiation (RPL centers) and is applied in dosimeters. Knowledge regarding the development of RPL materials is limited and development of new RPL materials is required. In this study, we investigate the RPL properties of Au-doped soda-lime silicate glass. After X-ray irradiation, an emission band appeared at 650–900 nm upon excitation at 330 nm, and the emission intensity increased linearly in the dose range of 3.72–100 Gy. The UV–vis absorption, photoluminescence, and electron spin resonance spectroscopy revealed that the Au dimer, non-bridged oxygen hole center, and E’ center (electrons trapped in the glass host) were formed by ionizing radiation. The Au dimer acts as the RPL center. In addition, build-up, that is, progressive formation of RPL centers at room temperature, was completed in 20 min, and bleaching by 330 nm light was induced in Au-doped soda-lime silicate glass. • ・Au-doped soda-lime glass exhibits radiophotoluminescence. • ・Au-dimer, non-bridged oxygen hole center, and E′ center were formed by X-ray irradiation. • ・Au-doped soda-lime glass can be used as RPL dosimeter in the dose range of 3,72–100 Gy. • ・Build-up was completed in 20 min and bleaching was induced by 330 nm light.