Simultaneous thermoluminescence and thermally stimulated current in polyethylene

Following gamma-irradiation at 90 K, the thermoluminescence (TL) and the thermally stimulated current (TSC) from high-density polyethylene film have been simultaneously recorded. Measurements were made from 90 to 330 K; and in addition to the usual TL peaks, a broad, weak TL peak was found at approximately 300 K. The TSC curves were measured at different field strengths, and current always flowed in the direction of this field. The major feature of the TSC was a sharp increase of current of about two orders of magnitude at a temperature of 250 K. In addition, the TSC showed smaller peaks and points of inflexion which correlated well with the TL peaks. The results were interpreted in terms of non-geminate electron motion, and were compared with those of other workers.