YAG (Y3Al5O12) is a synthetic crystal that exhibits luminescence when exposed to a specific wavelength of light. This phenomenon, known as opticaly stimulated luminescence, occurs when the crystal absorbs energy from incoming light and then releases it in the form of visible light.
YAG opticaly stimulated luminescence is commonly used in the field of dosimetry, which involves measuring radiation doses. The crystal's luminescence is sensitive to radiation, making it a useful tool for quantifying the amount of radiation an object has been exposed to. This can be applied in fields such as archaeology, geology, and medical physics.
YAG has a high density and a high atomic number, making it an efficient absorber of incoming light and radiation. It also has a wide bandgap energy, which allows it to store and release energy in the form of luminescence. Additionally, YAG is chemically stable and has a long afterglow, allowing for accurate and prolonged measurements.
YAG crystals are typically grown using the Czochralski method, where a high-purity YAG seed crystal is dipped into a melt of alumina and yttria. The crystal is then slowly pulled out of the melt, allowing for a single crystal to form. The crystal is then cut and polished to the desired size and shape for use in experiments.
YAG has shown promise in various fields, including radiation dosimetry, medical imaging, and environmental monitoring. As technology advances, YAG may also have potential applications in fields such as optoelectronics, solar energy conversion, and quantum computing. Further research and development are needed to fully explore the potential of YAG opticaly stimulated luminescence.