Directional light output enhancement of scintillators by mixed-scale microstructures based on soft-X-ray interference lithography and self-assembly

Abstract

In this paper, we have successfully demonstrated that the directional control of the light output of the scintillator can be achieved by mixed-scale microstructures which integrate photonic crystals on the wavelength scale and microlens arrays on the micrometer scale. Compared to the reference sample, the mixed-scale microstructures can enhance the light output of the scintillator by 3.07-fold at the emergence angle of 35°. This enhancement in the light output exhibits both azimuthal angle and wavelength dependence. Our hybrid simulation and experimental characterization explain the physical mechanism behind the enhanced directional light output. This method holds potential for application in radiation detection systems and other light-emitting devices requiring directional light output.