Application of Response Surface Methodology (RSM) Technique to Optimize the Sintering Process of CaF2:Tm3+

The aim of this work was to optimize the sintering process of Tm-doped calcium fluoride in order to maximize the thermoluminescent (TL) response and the optically stimulated luminescence response when stimulated by visible light in the infrared (IRSL) and blue (BSL) regions. The samples were prepared by liquid phase synthesis. X-ray diffraction confirmed the formation of the characteristic calcium fluoride phase. In order to optimize the sintering process, response surface methodology (RSM) was applied separately to the three luminescence responses (TL, IRSL, and BSL). The results showed that this technique is an invaluable tool for optimizing the sintering process and that it is possible to approximate a predictive mathematical model that can estimate the luminescent area as a function of sintering temperature and time.