Abstract

Ce3+, Pr3+ co-doped Lu3Al5O12 (Ce, Pr:LuAG) single crystals and ceramics were prepared using the optical floating zone (OFZ) and reactive vacuum sintering methods, respectively. The microstructure, photo- (λex = 450 nm), and radio-luminescence (under X-ray excitation) performance, as well as scintillation light yield (LY, under γ-ray, 137Cs source) of both materials, were investigated and compared. Ce, Pr:LuAG ceramics had an in-line transmittance of approximately 20% in the visible light range, while the analogous crystals were more transparent (~65%). The X-ray excited luminescent (XEL) spectra showed the characteristic Ce 3+ and Pr3+ emissions located at 310 nm, 380 nm, and 510 nm. The highest LY of the Ce, Pr:LuAG ceramics reached 34,112 pho/MeV at 2 μs time gate, which is higher than that of a single crystal. The ratio of LY values (LY2/LY0.75) between shaping times of 0.75 μs and 2 μs indicated a faster scintillation decay of ceramics regarding single crystals. It was ascribed to the lower effective concentration of luminescent activators in single crystals because of the coefficient segregation effect.

Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call