• Analysis of thermoluminescent glow peaks of zoisite under beta irradiations

In this study, the thermoluminescence (TL) properties of natural crystal of zoisite were investigated after beta ${(}^{90}\mathrm{Sr})$ irradiation at room temperature (RT). Zoisite, of chemical formula ${\mathrm{Ca}}_2{\mathrm{Al}}_3({\mathrm{SiO}}_4\mathrm{)(}{\mathrm{Si}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_7)\mathrm{O}(\mathrm{OH}\mathrm{),}$ is found in Minas Gerais State, Brazil as natural mineral of silicate, member of the epidote group. The glow curve of a natural sample submitted to a heat treatment at 600 °C is composed of two broad peaks, centered at about 110–130 °C and another one at about 205–210 °C. A heating rate of $\text{4\hspace{0.17em}°}\mathrm{C}\hspace{0.17em}{\mathrm{s}}^{\text{−1}}$ was used in the temperature range from RT to 300 °C. The additive dose, $T_{\mathrm{m}}{\mathrm{‐T}}_{\mathrm{STOP}}$ thermal cleaning, initial rise, variable heating rate and computerized glow curve deconvolution methods have shown that the glow curve is a superposition of six peaks at 100, 130, 155, 175, 200 and 230 °C. The trapping parameters for the individual peaks have been calculated. The TL dose response of 130 and 200 °C peaks has a linear response. Zoisite is a candidate for a TL dosimeter because of its high sensitivity.