Fast time-resolved luminescence emission spectroscopy in some feldspars

Measurements of fast time-resolved 850 nm stimulated luminescence (resolution 5 ns) and also CW infra-red stimulated luminescence (IRSL) emission spectroscopy have been performed with a set of six specimen feldspars comprising orthoclase, albite, sanidine and oligoclase. The IRSL was observed following the administration of ionising radiation dose. Detection of the time-resolved spectrum was defined by the use of bandpass (FWHM 40 nm) interference filters enabling low resolution emission spectroscopy to be performed between 300 and 550 nm. Multi-exponential lifetime analysis suggests the possibility of a link between luminescence emitted in the UV spectral region (similar to 300 nm) and the visible spectral region (i.e. >400 nm). The results also support a model of lattice stabilised electron vacancies for the luminescence emission rather than intrinsic transition metal ion luminescence. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.