Time-resolved luminescence measurements on upconversion phosphors for electron beam sterilization monitoring

Manuela Reitzig; Thomas Härtling; Martin Winkler; Peter Powers; Susan Derenko; Carlos Toro; Olaf Röder; Jörg Opitz

doi:10.1117/12.2008889

11 April 2013 Time-resolved luminescence measurements on upconversion phosphors for electron beam sterilization monitoring

Manuela Reitzig, Thomas Härtling, Martin Winkler, Peter Powers, Susan Derenko, Carlos Toro, Olaf Röder, Jörg Opitz

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 8693, Smart Sensor Phenomena, Technology, Networks, and Systems Integration 2013; 86930R (2013) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2008889
Event: SPIE Smart Structures and Materials + Nondestructive Evaluation and Health Monitoring, 2013, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

We present our recent investigations on time-resolved measurements of alterations in the temporal luminescence decay of upconversion phosphors induced by electron beam treatment. The latter is a promising alternative to low-temperature and dry sterilization of surfaces for sensitive packaging materials. Especially in the food and medical sector regulations concerning sterility are increasingly tightened. For this, a secure proof for electron-beam-assisted sterilization is required. However, no non-destructive and in situ method exists up to now. Our approach to provide a secure proof of sterilization is to place a suitable marker material based on rare-earth-doped phosphors inside or on top of the packaging material of the respective product. Upon electron irradiation the marker material changes its luminescent properties as a function of applied energy dose. We verified the energy dependence by means of time-resolved measurements of the luminescent decay of different upconversion materials. In our experimental realization short laser pulses in the near-infrared range excite the marker material. The emitted light is spectrally resolved in a monochromator, collected via a silicon photo diode, and analyzed with an oscilloscope. As the main results we observe a reduction of luminescence lifetime due to electron beam treatment dependent on the emission wavelength. Hence, the electron beam induces changes in the particles' up- and down-conversion properties from which the applied energy dose can be derived.

Citation Download Citation

Manuela Reitzig, Thomas Härtling, Martin Winkler, Peter Powers, Susan Derenko, Carlos Toro, Olaf Röder, and Jörg Opitz "Time-resolved luminescence measurements on upconversion phosphors for electron beam sterilization monitoring", Proc. SPIE 8693, Smart Sensor Phenomena, Technology, Networks, and Systems Integration 2013, 86930R (11 April 2013); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2008889

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