Symmetry factor and order of kinetics in thermally stimulated luminescence

The symmetry factor μg(x) of a thermally stimulated luminescence peak is an important parameter in the sense that once it is known for a particular value of fractional intensity x, it is possible to estimate the order of kinetics 6. At present in the literature a graphical picture of dependence of μg (0.5) on the order of kinetics b exists which is the basis for many experimentalists to determine the order of kinetics. The fact is pointed out that for a given value of b, μg(x) is not unique, a point overlooked by some workers. In addition the mathematical details are given based on which it is possible to calculate μg(x) for any value of × for any order of kinetics.