Energy transfer mechanism in Gd_2(SiO_4)O:Ce scintillators

The scintillation decay of cerium-doped gadolinium oxyorthosilicate Gd_2(SiO_4)O:Ce is lengthened by the energy transfer from Gd to Ce. To investigate the role of the Gd in the scintillation processes, the Gd was partially replaced by optically inactive rare earth elements, Y and Lu, and the effective transfer rates from Gd to Ce were measured as a function of Gd and Ce concentrations using UV- and gamma-ray excitations. The data clearly indicate the dilution of the Gd by the Y and the Lu further lengthens the migration time through the Gd in the energy transfer process from Gd to Ce.