MgO:Fe as an absolute radiation dosimeter.
Iron impurities can take the 1+, 2+, or 3+ valence state in substitutional lattice sites in MgO. Virtually no Fe3+ remains after annealing in a reducing atmosphere. Upon irradiation with x rays or electrons, holes are trapped at Fe2+ sites. The resulting Fe3+ ion absorbs ultraviolet photons at 285 nm. Monitoring the radiation-induced growth of the Fe3+ optical absorption band provides the basis of using MgO:Fe as a solid-state dosimeter analogous to the ferrous sulfate chemical dosimeter.
D003460:Crystallization; D004583:Electrons; D006283:Health Physics; D007501:Iron / Q000528:radiation effects*; D008277:Magnesium Oxide / Q000528:radiation effects*; D011827:Radiation; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D013056:Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet; D013679:Technology, Radiologic
D008277:Magnesium Oxide; D007501:Iron