Effects of different Eu concentrations and Cu, Mg or Ba ions co-doping on optical and scintillation properties of LiCaAlF6:Eu single crystals

Abstract

LiCaAlF6 single crystals doped with different Eu concentrations varied from 1 at% to 5 at%, and LiCaAlF6:Eu single crystals co-doped with 3 at%Cu+, 2 at%Mg2+, 2 at%Ba2+ were grown by the Bridgman method in non-vacuum atmosphere. Their optical and scintillation performances were studied. The optimal scintillation efficiency was achieved in the LiCaAlF6:Eu single crystals with Eu concentrations between 2 and 2.5 at%. The influences of Cu+, Mg2+ and Ba2+ co-doping on optical properties, scintillation yield, scintillation decay and defect structures were studied. It was found that the Cu+ co-doping can improve the scintillation efficiency. The Mg2+ and Ba2+ co-doping have negligible effects on light yield.