Using Exotic Materials like EuD₄TEA and MgD₄TEA to Monitor Damage and Radiation Exposure in Extreme Environments

Abstract

Space radiation poses a significant challenge to exploration missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. As we consider long duration space missions, the risk from radiation exposure increases. There is no simple technique that is capable of real-time radiation detection. Past research shows that the fluorescence yield and decay time are both functions of temperature and radiation fluence. Each of these parameters need to be investigated separately in order to fully understand the physical properties for any useful phosphor. Once the temperature dependencies are known, then the radiation fluence in the surrounding environment can be estimated. This paper will discuss recent research on europium and magnesium tetrakis dibenzoylmethide triethylammonium (EuD4TEA and MgD4TEA) that could be used to measure radiation and temperature in real time. Both of these organic materials have been shown to be sensitive to proton radiation and to changes in temperature.

Progress in Organic Triboluminescent EuD4TEA Crystal

“…To gain a deeper understanding of these effects and the associated time elements, further investigation is required in the field of decay time theory. [ 31 ] This theory takes into account the initial intensity of fluorescence light, the duration of decay, and the time elapsed since exposure to the original excitation source(s). By measuring the decay time and light yield of fluorescence, valuable insights can be obtained regarding the suitability of TL materials in high‐radiation environments.…”

“…By measuring the decay time and light yield of fluorescence, valuable insights can be obtained regarding the suitability of TL materials in high‐radiation environments. [ 31 ] EuD 4 TEA shows promise as a potential sensor material for monitoring large‐scale solar events for astronauts in vehicles operating within near‐Earth space. [ 31 ] However, in more intense radiation environments, ZnS:Mn compounds are better suited for use as sensors due to their larger half‐brightness fluence values.…”

“…[ 31 ] EuD 4 TEA shows promise as a potential sensor material for monitoring large‐scale solar events for astronauts in vehicles operating within near‐Earth space. [ 31 ] However, in more intense radiation environments, ZnS:Mn compounds are better suited for use as sensors due to their larger half‐brightness fluence values. [ 31, 74 ]…”

“…[31] However, in more intense radiation environments, ZnS:Mn compounds are better suited for use as sensors due to their larger half-brightness fluence values. [31,74] 6. Challenges and Future Directions…”

“…[25] TL-based sensors, including those based on EuD 4 TEA, offer the advantage of not requiring any power at the sensing location. [26] Researchers have utilized EuD 4 TEA crystals for various applications including damage sensing, [8,[27][28][29] cyanide detection in water, [30] radiation sensing, [31] and photonic DOI: 10.1002/crat.202300206 applications. [32] Once fully developed, these sensors have the potential to enable wireless, in situ, and distributed (WID) structural health monitoring (SHM) applications.…”