High-temperature scintillation of alumina under 32MeV 63 Cu 5+ heavy-ion irradiation

Polycrystalline alumina samples (α-Al2O3, purity: 99.8%) were irradiated with 63Cu5+ ions of 32MeV kinetic energy (≈0.5MeV/u) up to fluences of 1014ions/cm2 at various temperatures ranging from 295 to 973K. Ion beam induced luminescence and emission spectra were monitored at wavelengths from 320 to 800nm. Optical absorption measurements were performed to deduce color center formation. Results were evaluated by the Birks model to determine the material’s radiation hardness. The applicability of alumina as scintillation screens for ion beam diagnostics could be extended by enhanced temperature operation. Analysis of the emission spectra shows a complex color center formation behavior as a function of fluence and temperature.