Electrical Characterization of a Conventional Graphite rod Exposed to UV Radiation

Abstract

Graphite is an allotropic form of carbon that is used to manufacture pencils and other products. One of its properties is electrical conduction due to its crystalline structure, which allows the free movement of electrons through its structure. On the other hand, graphite is sensitive to ionizing radiation, and is used as a thermoluminescence detector (TLD). In this work, the response of a conventional graphite rod was evaluated, placed as a resistive load in a passive electronic system of the capacitor-resistor type. The voltage changes produced by a voltage source (GWINSTEK, Taiwan) were measured, which generates 10 V continuous. A series of responses based on voltage and time were obtained, displayed on the oscilloscope (Tektronix, China), showing a change in voltage at different frequencies during exposure to a UV source (365 nm wavelength). Thus, measurements were made in two stages: the first with the graphite without exposure to UV light and the second during exposure with the purpose of presenting an alternative method to measure ionizing radiation. The results generated show a response to UV exposure, indicating that the material presents a change in the movement of its electrons that can be interpreted as absorbance. Leaving to future research the analysis of other sources of ionizing radiation, such as the use of X-rays, gamma rays, among others.