Alpha alumina powders have been produced by thermal treatment under controlled atmosphere of highly pure gamma alumina. The influence of the atmosphere and the addition of dopants (Mg2+, Cr3+, Th4+) were studied by thermoluminescence (TL). TL is a technique which gives information about point defects. It allowed to reveal the presence of oxygen and aluminium vacancies. The sintering of undoped powders prepared under different atmosphere was investigated by dilatometry. Powders prepared under oxygen densify more rapidly (at least below 1600°C). It is suggested that a higher aluminium vacancy content improves aluminium diffusion