Optically stimulated luminescence
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In physics optically stimulated luminescence is a method for measuring doses from ionizing radiation (commonly known as radioactive radiation).
The method makes use of electrons trapped between the valence and electron band in the crystaline structure of matter. The electrons are stimulated with light, giving the electrons enough energy to free themselves from the trap. While escaping the trap, and returning to a stable position or another trap, excess energy is emitted with a photon (light). The photons are detected using a photomultiplier tube. The signal from the tube is then used to calculate the dose given to the material.