Dual radiation characterisation of borosilicate glass slides: Thermoluminescence response to neutrons and optical properties under gamma irradiation

Abstract

This study comprehensively explores the dual radiation response and promising dosimetric potential of commercially available borosilicate microscope glass slides. We evaluate their thermoluminescence (TL) response to neutron irradiation and investigate their structural modifications under gamma exposure. TL properties, including glow curve characteristics, dose response, and sensitivity, were assessed for neutron-irradiated glass slides from two different brands. Concurrently, structural and defect evolution in gamma-irradiated slides was analyzed using Raman, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), Photoluminescence (PL), and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) techniques. The TL analysis of neutron-irradiated slides revealed a distinct glow peak (primarily 230–250 °C), a measurable dose-dependent response, and increasing TL intensity with neutron dose up to 6 Gy, demonstrating a quantifiable response suitable for further exploration in neutron dosimetry. However, variations in sensitivity and non-linearity were observed at higher doses, indicating the complex nature of trap interactions in this amorphous material. Optical spectroscopy provided complementary insights into gamma-induced effects: FTIR confirmed bond rearrangements and changes in Qn species, Raman spectroscopy detected vibrational shifts linked to network distortions, PL revealed defect-induced emissions (e.g., at 454, 595, 900, and 1078 nm), and XRD confirmed the retention of an amorphous structure with no detectable long-range structural modifications, though minor intensity variations were observed. These findings establish borosilicate glass slides as a cost-effective, reusable, and widely accessible material with promising potential for passive radiation monitoring. While this manuscript focuses on neutron TL and gamma-induced optical changes, the broader dosimetric capabilities of this material, including its TL response to photon irradiation, have been detailed in our earlier work. This dual characterization approach enhances the fundamental understanding of radiation-induced modifications in glass, suggesting potential applications in medical dosimetry, industrial radiation monitoring, and space radiation shielding, with further optimization required for enhanced performance and linearity.