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We have investigated Li 4 SiO 4 scintillation crystals for their possible application in neutron detection due to high Li content and low density of 2.35 g/cm 3 . The micro-pulling-down method employing the Ir crucible and afterheater was optimized for crystal growth of Li 4 SiO 4 taking into account the Li evaporation. To grow high-quality crack-free single crystals, the heating power was increased to establish milder temperature gradient, thicker meniscus, smaller crystal diameter and resulting smaller stress in the as-grown crystals. The undoped, Ti-, Cr-, and Al- doped crystals were prepared and studied. Radioluminescence measurements under X-ray excitation showed quite high overall scintillation efficiency of the Ti-doped sample reaching as high as 250% of that of Bi 4 Ge 3 O 12 reference scintillator. The emission spectrum was dominated by one broad band peaking at 350 nm related to Ti 4+ impurity. Reasonable light yield of 10000 photons/neutron was found. However, its long decay time of 54 μs might be a limitation especially for high counting rate applications. The overall scintillation efficiency of the Cr 3+ sample was much lower and the spectrum shows one broad peak at 463 nm which does not correspond to Cr 3+ luminescence. The radioluminescence spectrum of the Al-doped sample resembled to that of the Ti-doped one, just its magnitude is considerably lower, which was explained by Ti contamination. Peculiarities and optimization of crystal growth and a preliminary sketch of luminescence mechanisms and dopant incorporation are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Electron and hole trapping centers were observed in the molybdenum doped zinc oxide rods. • Electron trapping centers were mostly molybdenum-based. • Holes were trapped at oxygen complexes. • Exciton- and defect-related emission bands appear suppressed after X-ray irradiation. • Zinc vacancies participated in the charge trapping processes. Peculiarities of the point defects creation under X-ray irradiation and the influence of Mo doping in ZnO powders of nano- and microrods fabricated by the hydrothermal growth method (as-grown and annealed in air) were studied in detail. Correlated experiments of X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance, photo- and radioluminescence as well as thermally stimulated luminescence allowed us to trace the effect of the molybdenum inclusion on the phase purity of synthesized materials and the role of Mo in the creation of X-ray induced point defects. Oxygen-based hole trapping centers (most probably involving interstitial oxygen) as well as Mo5+-based electron trapping centers were observed and their thermal stabilities were studied. Some amount of the hole trapping centers seemed to be directly connected with the creation of Mo5+. Zinc vacancies and the Mo5+ centers up to some extent were assumed to act as recombination centers for the holes released from the hole trapping centers. The X-ray irradiation also affects the luminescence properties of the ZnO:Mo samples – the intensity of the luminescence bands in general becomes weaker. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spectroscopic properties of Pb2+ in different fluoride host lattices were studied in order to investigate if Pb2+ can serve as a sensitizer for the Gd3+–Eu3+ quantum cutting system. Strong B′ emission of Pb2+ was found in several fluoride host lattices and for the first time B′ emission is reported at room temperature. It is shown that sensitization of the 6G levels of Gd3+ is possible via B′ emission of Pb2+ in the host lattice (BaF2)0.6(GdF3)0.4 and visible quantum cutting with an efficiency of 20% is observed upon excitation in the C band of Pb2+. The possibility of sensitization of Gd3+ by A′ emission of Pb2+ in KMgF3 is discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Glass ceramics in the form of MI 2 :Eu crystalline particles grown in MO-B 2 O 3 glass (M = Ca, Sr, Ba) through recrystallization from the alloyed melt were fabricated. Eu2+ ions were detected in the CaI 2 and SrI 2 crystalline particles (not in the BaI 2) inside the corresponding glasses. Some amount of Eu2+ centers are expected to originate from the MO-B 2 O 3 glass hosts as well. This was confirmed by correlated electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), photo- and radioluminescence (PL, RL) measurements. Peculiarities of the Eu2+ distribution and incorporation into the glass ceramics samples as well as charge and energy transfer properties are discussed in detail. Optimal conditions leading to the enhancement of the Eu2+ emission from the CaI 2 and SrI 2 crystallites inside the glasses were determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comprehensive study of the optical, radioluminescence and scintillation properties of both the Lu 3+ rich and Lu 3+ deficient non-stoichiometric Lu 3+x AG:Ce,Mg (Lu 3+x Al 5 O 12 :Ce,Mg, x = −4, −1, +1 and +4 at.%) ceramics are performed, completed further by the microstructure and defects characterization. Small deviation from the stoichiometric composition as well as Mg 2+ codoping plays a crucial role in ceramic transparency, radioluminescence intensity and the timing characteristics of scintillation response. The Lu Al antisite defects could be suppressed efficiently by controlling Lu 3+ content below stoichiometry of LuAG host. MgO (Mg 2+ ions) as effective sintering aids, can improve both the optical quality and scintillation performance (light yield, scintillation decay times and the ratio of fast decay components). We generally discuss the composition dependence of defects and properties tailoring. We also performed the systematic comparative study with the stoichiometric LuAG:Ce,Mg ceramic and the commercial BGO and LuAG:Ce single crystals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper we present the photoluminescence (PL) and scintillation response of Pr3+-doped Y3Al5O12 (YAG:Pr) single crystals grown by the Czochralski method with different Pr3+ concentrations of 0.16, 0.33, and 0.65 mol%. PL spectra and decay curves were measured for both the fast 5d → 4f and slow 4f → 4f emissions. The PL decay times were evaluated which evidence concentration quenching especially in 1D2 → 3H4 emission for the highest Pr3+ concentration. Light yield (LY) of 15,600 photons per MeV and energy resolution of 6.4% at 662 keV γ-rays were obtained with the YAG:Pr (0.33%) crystal. The LY non-proportionality and energy resolution versus γ-ray energy were measured and the intrinsic resolution was calculated. A good proportionality of the LY was found within 7% over the energy range from 1274.5 keV down to 32 keV. The estimated photofraction in the pulse height spectra of 320 and 662 keV γ-rays was also determined and compared with the theoretical one calculated using WinXCom program. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The use of aliovalent sintering aids, especially TEOS, for scintillation ceramics preparation caused serious problems due to the need for charge compensation. Isovalent ions, on the other hand, do not cause such a problem and remain a new field to be explored. By using La2O3 and Sc2O3 isovalent sintering aids, we succeeded to produce Pr:LuAG ceramics with pure LuAG phase, good micro-structure, and characterized by high optical quality with 80% transmittance in the visible range. Luminescence and scintillation properties were also investigated and turned out to be similar to those of previously studied transparent ceramics obtained with aliovalent sintering agents. Thermoluminescence data show the presence of several trapping states experiencing a disordered surrounding. It can be concluded that sintering aids, regardless of their valence, introduce local disorder due to their different radii with respect to that of the lattice ions resulting in the appearance of a UV emission and decrease of Pr3+ fast 5d–4f luminescence intensity. The aspects of energy transfer and trapping due to sintering aids in LuAG lattices are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Ytterbium doped scandium oxide (Yb:Sc 2 O 3 ) transparent ceramics were fabricated by a co-precipitation and vacuum sintering method. The characteristics of the precursor and the calcined powders were investigated by BET, XRD, and SEM. Ultra-fine and low agglomerated 5at%Yb:Sc 2 O 3 powders with the average particle size about 65.4 nm were obtained after calcined at 1100 °C for 5 h. Using the synthesized powders as starting materials, 5at%Yb:Sc 2 O 3 transparent ceramics with the in-line transmittance of 71.1% at 1100 nm and average grain size of 145 μm were fabricated by vacuum sintering at 1825 °C for 10 h. Quasi-CW laser oscillation of Yb:Sc 2 O 3 ceramics was obtained at 1040.6 nm. A maximum output power as high as 2.44 W with a corresponding slope of 35% was achieved. Finally, the tunability of the ceramic was explored measuring a tuning range up to 55 nm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cerium doped gadolinium gallium aluminum garnet (Gd 3 Al 3 Ga 2 O 12 , GAGG) was synthesized in the glass ceramics form by the crystallization from Gd 2 O 3 –Al 2 O 3 –Ga 2 O 3 –SiO 2 –CeO 2 glass in the following weight proportion: 101 : 26: 47 : 25: 1. The spatial distribution and incorporation of Ce into the GAGG ceramic grains as well as the luminescence and scintillation performance are studied carrying out correlated experiments of photo-, radio- and cathodoluminescence including decay kinetics as well as energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy combined with scanning electron microscopy. Optical absorption features were investigated using photothermal deflection spectroscopy. Cerium stays within the material mostly in the Ce3+ charge state. Its distribution in the bulk of the sample exhibits irregular trend indicating the tendency to coalesce in the middle. • The GAGG:Ce glass nanoceramics was fabricated. • Spatial distribution of Ce3+ in the batch of the glass nanoceramics was observed. • Hole trapping processes affect the luminescence in GAGG:Ce glass nanoceramics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ns 2 -type metal elements (Pb and Sn) doped LiCaAlF 6 single crystals were grown by a micro-pulling-down (μ-PD) method. Pb doped LiCaAlF 6 [Pb:LiCAF] crystals showed high transparency and single phase of the LiCAF structure. However, we could not obtain Sn:LiCAF crystals due to the evaporation of SnF 2 during the crystal growth. There was an absorption peak around 193 nm in the transmittance spectrum of Pb:LiCAF crystal. In the radioluminescence spectrum of the Pb:LiCAF crystal under X-ray irradiation, two emission peaks around 200 and 830 nm were observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of plastic scintillators loaded with low-cost phosphorescent sensitizer is currently an important topic toward enhancing the scintillation light yield for radiation detection applications. In this work, we report plastic scintillators loaded with deep-blue-emitting phosphorescent sensitizer CuI(PPh 3) 2 (t -BuPy), where PPh 3 and t -BuPy stand for triphenylphosphine and 4- tert -butylpyridine, respectively. CuI(PPh 3) 2 (t -BuPy)-loaded poly(vinyltoluene)-based plastic scintillators with high optical transmittance of over 80% were synthesized via bulk polymerization method. The optical absorption, photoluminescence spectra, decay kinetics, and scintillation performance under X-ray, γ-ray, and α-particle excitation were comprehensively investigated. The scintillation yield was reduced with the increase of CuI(PPh 3) 2 (t -BuPy) loading concentration. The physical mechanism and the role of the copper iodide complex in scintillation yield reduction are proposed. [Display omitted] • Poly(vinyltoluene)-based plastic scintillators loaded with phosphorescent sensitizer CuI(PPh 3) 2 (t -BuPy) were synthesized. • The scintillation yield of PVT scintillators is reduced with the increase of CuI(PPh 3) 2 (t -BuPy) loading concentration. • The scintillation yield reduction is associated with the nonradiative dissipation of energy from CuI(PPh 3) 2 (t -BuPy). • Plastic scintillator containing only CuI(PPh 3) 2 (t -BuPy) showed α/γ PSD performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Nd3+ 1%, 5% and 10% doped BaF2 single crystals were grown by the micro-pulling down method. Photoluminescence properties, including excitation and emission spectra and luminescence decay were measured under synchrotron radiation excitation at the Superlumi station in HASYLAB at DESY (Hamburg, Germany). The Nd3+ related 5d-4f emission lines peaking around 180 nm, 230 nm, and 260 nm, identified as the 5d–4Ij, 5d–4Fj, and 5d–2Gj transitions, were observed under 140–168 nm excitation. In photoluminescence decay under the 160 nm excitation, the dominant component decay time is about 12, 2.5 and 1.2 ns for Nd3+ 1%, 5% and 10% concentration, respectively. The decay time shortening is explained by the concentration quenching effect. Transmittance of Nd1% sample is about 80% for wavelengths above 185 nm. Finally, gamma-ray responses, non-proportionality and energy resolution of Nd1% sample were compared with the undoped BaF2 scintillator. The light yield of the Nd1%:BaF2 is about 93% of that of undoped BaF2. ©2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Doubly doped BaY2F8:Er,Nd scintillation crystals were grown by modified micro-pulling-down method. The Er co-doping was chosen to enhance the energy transfer from the host lattice to the Nd3+ luminescence center via the 5d-levels of Er3+, which can be enabled by the overlap of Er3+ 5d-4f emission spectrum with the Nd3+ 4f-5d absorption. The energy transfer was clearly evidenced in the BaY2F8:Er,Nd. The processes are complicated by energy migration to killer centres and/or cross-relaxation processes. The luminescence and energy transfer mechanism are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]