Scintillation Properties of SrHfO$_{3}$:Ce$^{3+}$ and BaHfO$_{3}$:Ce $^{3+}$ Ceramics

Abstract

In this paper we report on the scintillation properties of cerium doped strontium - and barium hafnate. Radioluminescence, pulse height, scintillation decay and timing spectra are presented. Radioluminescence spectra of SrHfO3:Ce3+ and BaHfO3:Ce3+ consist of a broad band due to Ce3+ emission peaking at 410 nm and 400 nm, respectively. The light yield of BaHfO3:Ce3+ and SrHfO3:Ce3+ is approximately 40 000 photons/MeV when compared to a crystal of BGO. The principal decay time constant for SrHfO3:Ce3+ and BaHfO3:Ce3+ is 42 and 25 ns, respectively. A timing resolution of 276 ps (FWHM) was obtained with transparent optical ceramic of SrHfO3:Ce3+.