Solid State Radioluminescent Sources Using Tritium-Loaded Zeolites, and Their Proposed Use as Process Monitors

Zeolite-based tritium lamps are a possible alternative to traditional tritium gas tube light sources. Rare earth luminescing centers may be ion-exchanged into zeolite matrices. Close proximity of tritium atoms to the rare earths can be provided by highly tritiated water sorbed within the pore structure of the zeolite aluminosilicate matrix. Zeolites are optically clear and radiation stable. Light outputs up to 2 W/cm², with good stability, are shown here for tritiated water-loaded zeolites. Procedures for obtaining light sources are presented and results are discussed. The possible use of these luminescent materials as process monitors for the tritium content of zeolite absorption columns is also proposed.