Gamma Ray Scintillators via BaF2:Ce Nanopowders

Nano-scale BaF2:Ce phosphor powders (“nanophosphors”) show great potential for improving the functioning of inorganic scintillators for gamma ray detectors. These particles may offer greater ef ciency and ease of manufacture than most state-of-the-art single crystal scintillators currently in use. Chemical precipitation similar to that of LaF3: Ce synthesis was used to prepare the BaF2:Ce powders, while care was taken to optimize doping levels to prevent internal absorption while maximizing photon production. Select particle samples were then encapsulated in a polymer matrix in an attempt to improve mechanical robustness while maintaining photon yield. Results from photoluminescence excitation and emission measurements of samples of BaF2: Ce powders doped from 1-30mol% suggest that the BaF2:15mol%Ce sample exhibited the greatest photon production, but that a more UV transparent polymer must be found in order to maximize light transmission when the powder is encapsulated in a polymer matrix.