High-light-output scintillator for photodiode readout: LuI3:Ce3+.

Authors :: Birowosuto, M. D.
Dorenbos, P.
van Eijk, C. W. E.
Krämer, K. W.
Güdel, H. U.
Source :: Journal of Applied Physics; 6/15/2006, Vol. 99 Issue 12, p123520, 4p, 2 Charts, 4 Graphs
Publication Year :: 2006
Abstract: In this paper, we investigated the scintillation properties of LuI<subscript>3</subscript>:Ce<superscript>3+</superscript>. Radioluminescence, light output, energy resolution, and γ-scintillation decay are reported. We find an extremely high light output of 98 000±10 000 photons/MeV. LuI<subscript>3</subscript>:Ce<superscript>3+</superscript> also gives a very high electron-hole (e-h) pair response when it is coupled with an avalanche photodiode (APD) (92 000±9000 e-h pairs/MeV). With an APD, a best energy resolution (full width at half maximum over the peak position) of 3.3%±0.3% for 662 keV γ quanta is observed. A combination of an extremely high light output and a good energy resolution makes LuI<subscript>3</subscript>:Ce<superscript>3+</superscript> an ideal scintillator for radiation sensor applications. Some drawbacks due to the hygroscopicity and the difficult growth of LuI<subscript>3</subscript>:Ce<superscript>3+</superscript> crystals are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]