Dating volcanic ash and pumice stones from volcano El Misti, Peru, by thermoluminescence

El Misti is one of active volcanos in Peru, and known because it is located close to an important city of Arequipa, at about 17 km. There has been in the past several eruptions and the volcano is covered with lava, ash, etc. from such eruptions. The edifice is composed of a stratotocone called Misti 1, two stratocones designated Misti 2 and Misti 3 and a summit cone Misti 4. In this work samples from Misti 3 have been collected for TL dating. In the past charcol has been used for radiocarbon measurements and found age varying from 25000 to 35000 years. The TL dating produces ages between 28700 and 32300 years

Thermoluminescence and defect centers in synthetic diopside

MgCaSi2O6 polycrystal was synthesized by the devitrification method. The dosimetric characteristics by TL of this prepared polycrystal was investigated. This material exhibits TL peaks at 115, 160, 210, 260 and 280 °C. The dosimetric peak occurs at 260 °C with a well defined glow curve structure. This peak shows a linear dose response. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) studies have been carried out to identify the defect centers responsible for the TL peaks. Two defect centers in the region of g = 2.0 are found. One of the centers (center I) with a g factor equal to 2.0085 is identified as O− -ion and relates with the observed high temperature 250 and 300 °C TL peaks. Additional defect centers with g = 2.0012 (center II) and 1.982 (center III) are due to F+- centers (electron trapped at an oxygen vacancy). Center II and III correlate with the TL peaks at 160 °C and 106 °C, respectively.Campus Arequip

Dating stalagmite from Caverna do Diabo (Devil'S Cave) by TL and EPR techniques

A cylindrical fragment of stalagmite from Caverna do Diabo, State of Sao Paulo, Brazil, has been studied and dated by thermoluminescence and electron paramagnetic resonance techniques. The thermoluminescence glow curves of stalagmite samples and subsequently gamma irradiated, have shown rise of three peaks at 135, 180 and 265 degrees C. From electron paramagnetic resonance spectra of stalagmite was possible to clearly identify three paramagnetic centers in the g = 2.0 region: Centers I, II and III are due to, CO3- and CO33-, respectively. The additive method was applied to calculate the accumulated dose using thermoluminescence peak at 265 degrees C and the electron paramagnetic resonance signal at g = 1.9973 of CO2- radical. The ages of the different slices of stalagmite were determined from the D-ac-values and D-an-value, obtaining an average of 86410 for central slice, 53421 for second slice, 31490 for third slice and 46390 years B.P. for the central region of upper end.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Fis, Rua Matao,187 Cidade Univ, BR-05508090 Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Ciencias Mar, Rua Doutor Carvalho de Mendonca 144, BR-11070100 Santos, SP, BrazilIPEN CNEN SP, Inst Pesquisas Energet & Nucl, Av Prof Lineu Prestes,2242 Cidade Univ, BR-05508000 Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Nacl San Agustin, Fac Ciencias Nat & Formales, Escuela Profes Fis, Av Independencia S-N, Arequipa, PeruUniv Sao Paulo, Escola Politecn, Dept Engn Met & Mat, Av Prof Mello Moraes 2463, BR-05508030 Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilDepartamento de Ciências do Mar, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Doutor Carvalho de Mendonça, 144, 11070-100 Santos, SP, BrazilFAPESP: 2014/03085-0CAPES: BEX-9612130Web of Scienc

Multi-messenger observations of a binary neutron star merger

On 2017 August 17 a binary neutron star coalescence candidate (later designated GW170817) with merger time 12:41:04 UTC was observed through gravitational waves by the Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo detectors. The Fermi Gamma-ray Burst Monitor independently detected a gamma-ray burst (GRB 170817A) with a time delay of ~1.7 s with respect to the merger time. From the gravitational-wave signal, the source was initially localized to a sky region of 31 deg2 at a luminosity distance of 40+8-8 Mpc and with component masses consistent with neutron stars. The component masses were later measured to be in the range 0.86 to 2.26 Mo. An extensive observing campaign was launched across the electromagnetic spectrum leading to the discovery of a bright optical transient (SSS17a, now with the IAU identification of AT 2017gfo) in NGC 4993 (at ~40 Mpc) less than 11 hours after the merger by the One- Meter, Two Hemisphere (1M2H) team using the 1 m Swope Telescope. The optical transient was independently detected by multiple teams within an hour. Subsequent observations targeted the object and its environment. Early ultraviolet observations revealed a blue transient that faded within 48 hours. Optical and infrared observations showed a redward evolution over ~10 days. Following early non-detections, X-ray and radio emission were discovered at the transient’s position ~9 and ~16 days, respectively, after the merger. Both the X-ray and radio emission likely arise from a physical process that is distinct from the one that generates the UV/optical/near-infrared emission. No ultra-high-energy gamma-rays and no neutrino candidates consistent with the source were found in follow-up searches. These observations support the hypothesis that GW170817 was produced by the merger of two neutron stars in NGC4993 followed by a short gamma-ray burst (GRB 170817A) and a kilonova/macronova powered by the radioactive decay of r-process nuclei synthesized in the ejecta

Effects of high-temperature annealing on ESR properties of solid solutions of garnet minerals

A garnet (G7) silicate mineral belonging to pyralspite subgroup was studied using the technique of electron spin resonance (ESR). This study shows that iron is present in G7 as isolated species as well as species coupled by dipolar interactions. The ESR data shows a gradual increase of cluster of Fe3+ ions accompanied by decrease of dipolar interactions and increase of possible exchange interactions at high temperature. The Fe2+ -> Fe3+ oxidation process occurs in the garnets as a function of annealing temperature. Thermoluminescence (11) peaks at approximately 190 and 340 degrees C are observed in the irradiated G7 garnet. Investigations using the technique of ESR were carried out to identify the centers involved in the TL process. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.FAPESPCAPESUniv Sao Paulo, Inst Fis, Rua Matao,Travessa R 187, BR-05508090 Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Ciencias Mar, Santos, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Ciencias Mar, Santos, SP, BrazilFAPESP: 2014/03085-0CAPES: BEX-9612130Web of Scienc

Study of luminescence, color and paramagnetic centers properties of albite

A sample of natural albite, NaAlSi3O8, from the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, has been investigated. the mineral is a solid solution of K-feldspar (4600 ppm - K) and Ca-feldspar (1100 ppm - Ca). the TL spectra of natural and the pre-annealed at high temperature albite presented a very intense band around 275 nm and weaker bands around 400 and 560 nm. Other TL properties have been investigated through monochromatic (275 nm and 400 nm) glow curves. the EPR spectrum measured at low temperature (77 K) shows the typical 11 lines signal due to Al-O--Al center superposed on Fe3+ signal around g = 2.0. the EPR spectra above 260 K show only g = 2.0 signal due to Fe3+ ions. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Univ São Paulo, Inst Fis, BR-05508090 São Paulo, SP, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Ciencias Mar, BR-11030400 Santos, SP, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Ciencias Mar, BR-11030400 Santos, SP, BrazilWeb of Scienc

High- and very-high-dose dosimetry using silicate minerals

In the present study, certain natural silicate minerals such as aquamarine (AB), morganite (PB), goshenite (WB), white jadeite (JW), green jadeite (JG), pink tourmaline (PT) and two varieties of jadeite-like quartz, denoted here by JQ1 and JQ2, were investigated using the thermoluminescence technique to evaluate their potential for use as very-high- and high-dose dosimeters. These minerals respond to high doses of gamma-rays of up to 1000 kGy and often to very high doses of up to 3000 kGy. the TL response of these minerals may be considered to be satisfactory for applications in high-dose dosimetry. Investigations of electron paramagnetic resonance and optically stimulated luminescence dosimetry are in progress. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Univ São Paulo, Inst Fis, BR-05508090 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Ciencias Mar, BR-11030400 Santos, SP, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Ciencias Mar, BR-11030400 Santos, SP, BrazilWeb of Scienc

Synthesis, thermoluminescence, defect center and dosimetric characteristics of LiF:Mg,Cu,P,Si phosphor

LiF:Mg,Cu,P,Si (MCPS), a new tissue equivalent phosphor, was synthesized by solid state method. Powder x-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope were employed to determine the structural features. The dosimetric characteristics, electron spin resonance (ESR) and defect centers of this newly prepared phosphor were investigated. The MCPS phosphor is highly sensitive when compared with LiF:Mg,Ti and LiF:Mg,Cu,P (MCP), with the TL sensitivity being 35 times and 1.3 times higher respectively. The dosimetric peak occurs at 220 degrees C with a well defined glow curve structure similar to MCP. MCPS phosphor shows a linear dose response till 10 Gy. The minimum detectable dose has been found to be 8 Gy. The thermal stability of the phosphor could be enhanced by 20 degrees C from 240 degrees C to 260 degrees C when compared to MCP. Defect centers formed in the phosphor by gamma irradiation have been studied by ESR to identify the centers associated with the TL process in this phosphor. Thermal annealing experiments reveal the presence of several defect centers. Center I which shows an isotropic g factor of 2.0233 has been found to relate with the TL peaks at 160 degrees C, 220 degrees C and 265 degrees C. Centers II and III are characterized by isotropic g values of 2.0096 and 2.0019 respectively and are attributed to F centers.Board of Research in Nuclear Science, Department of Atomic EnergyCAPES, BrazilVelammal Engn Coll, Solid State Chem Res Lab, Dept Chem, Chennai 600066, Tamil Nadu, IndiaBhabha Atom Res Ctr, Radiol Phys & Advisory Div, Bombay 400085, Maharashtra, IndiaUniv Sao Paulo, Inst Phys, BR-05508090 Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Ciencias Mar, Rua Doutor Carvalho de Mendonca 144, BR-11070100 Santos, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Ciencias Mar, Rua Doutor Carvalho de Mendonca 144, BR-11070100 Santos, SP, BrazilBoard of Research in Nuclear Science, Department of Atomic Energy: 2008/36/91-BRNS/2886Web of Scienc

Thermoluminescence in Lapis Lazuli crystal: Glow peaks and their connection with F-centers estimated by ESR analysis

The mineral Lapis Lazuli exhibits three thermoluminescence (TL) peaks approximately at 140, 260 and 370 degrees C. The TL intensity of the three peaks grows with radiation dose and it saturates only beyond 9 kGy. Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) studies have been carried out to identify the defect centers responsible for the thermoluminescence peaks. The ESR spectrum of the as-received natural sample presented the typical six signals due to Mn2+ ion and a large signal around g = 2.030 due to Fe3+ ion. Room temperature ESR spectrum of irradiated Lapis Lazuli shows the formation of a defect center. This center (center I) is identified as an F-center (singly ionized oxygen vacancy) and seems to correlate with 140 and 250 degrees C TL peaks. An additional defect center is observed during thermal annealing experiments and this center (center II - assigned to F+-center) appears to originate from an F-center (oxygen vacancy with two electrons). This F-center, precursor of center II, may be related to the observed high temperature 360 degrees C TL peak in Lapis Lazuli.FAPESPCAPESUniv São Paulo, Inst Fis, Rua Matao, BR-05508090 São Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Fed São Paulo, Inst Mar, Rua Doutor Carvalho Mendonca 144, BR-11070100 Santos, SP, BrazilUniv Nacl San Agustin, Escuela Profes Fis, Fac Ciencias Nat & Formales, Arequipa, PeruUniv Fed São Paulo, Inst Mar, Rua Doutor Carvalho Mendonca 144, BR-11070100 Santos, SP, BrazilFAPESP: 2014/03085-0CAPES: BEX-9612130Web of Scienc

Synthesis and Study of Fe-Doped Bi2S3 Semimagnetic Nanocrystals Embedded in a Glass Matrix

Iron-doped bismuth sulphide (Bi2−xFexS3) nanocrystals have been successfully synthesized in a glass matrix using the fusion method. Transmission electron microscopy images and energy dispersive spectroscopy data clearly show that nanocrystals are formed with an average diameter of 7–9 nm, depending on the thermic treatment time, and contain Fe in their chemical composition. Magnetic force microscopy measurements show magnetic phase contrast patterns, providing further evidence of Fe incorporation in the nanocrystal structure. The electron paramagnetic resonance spectra displayed Fe3+ typical characteristics, with spin of 5/2 in the 3d5 electronic state, thereby confirming the expected trivalent state of Fe ions in the Bi2S3 host structure. Results from the spin polarized density functional theory simulations, for the bulk Fe-doped Bi2S3 counterpart, corroborate the experimental fact that the volume of the unit cell decreases with Fe substitutionally doping at Bi1 and Bi2 sites. The Bader charge analysis indicated a pseudo valency charge of 1.322|e| on FeBi1 and 1.306|e| on FeBi2 ions, and a spin contribution for the magnetic moment of 5.0 µB per unit cell containing one Fe atom. Electronic band structures showed that the (indirect) band gap changes from 1.17 eV for Bi2S3 bulk to 0.71 eV (0.74 eV) for Bi2S3:FeBi1 (Bi2S3:FeBi2). These results are compatible with the 3d5 high-spin state of Fe3+, and are in agreement with the experimental results, within the density functional theory accuracy