Photoluminescence and thermoluminescence characteristics of the SrO-Al2O3 system doped with terbium have been studied and reported here. The phosphor was synthesized by a reflux sol-gel technique. With a view to study the dosimetric properties, the effect of beta irradiation has been studied in detail; further, concentration quenching effects observed in the emission of various terbium doped phosphors have led to optimization of dopant content. A case is made to project the phosphor as an efficient green light emitting material with good dosimetric properties. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.