Offsetting circularity within an extended quartz luminescence defect pair model

We critically examine the quartz defect pair model, within which physical explanations of quartz thermoluminescence and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) were introduced. We address the apparent circularity of the model, in that it appears to lack an appropriate OSL terminal reaction. In particular, by appropriately analysing prior spectral OSL measurements, we demonstrate that the prominent primary peak centred at 365 nm is accompanied by a smaller secondary peak. With this insight, we proceed to extend the existing defect pair model by introducing a new OSL reaction pair which not only takes account of the secondary peak but also offsets the source of the circularity. We complete our study by introducing a configurational coordinate diagram that includes a new terminating antibonding state, the presence of which is consistent with both the measurement data and our defect pair model extension. • Terminal reactions and circularity within the quartz luminescence defect pair model are addressed. • Flow charts are introduced for visualising the underlying charge transfer mechanisms. • Examination of earlier optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) spectral data reveals the source of the circularity. • A previously unrecognised OSL reaction pair is identified as satisfying the required terminal process. • The quartz configurational coordinate diagram is extended to include a new OSL terminal antibonding state.