Latest advances in large diameter SrI:Eu and CLYC:Ce scintillators for isotope identification

R. Hawrami; C. Hines; I. Abselem; V. Biteman; J. Vaghini; J. Glodo; P. O'Dougherty; K. S. Shah; Nerine Cherepy; Stephen Payne; Arnold Burger; Lynn Boatner

doi:10.1117/12.945937

24 October 2012 Latest advances in large diameter SrI:Eu and CLYC:Ce scintillators for isotope identification

R. Hawrami, C. Hines, I. Abselem, V. Biteman, J. Vaghini, J. Glodo, P. O'Dougherty, K. S. Shah, Nerine Cherepy, Stephen Payne, Arnold Burger, Lynn Boatner

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 8507, Hard X-Ray, Gamma-Ray, and Neutron Detector Physics XIV; 850716 (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.945937
Event: SPIE Optical Engineering + Applications, 2012, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Scintillator crystal detectors form the basis for many radiation detection devices. Therefore, a search for high light yield single crystal scintillators with improved energy resolution, large volume, and the potential for low cost, is an ongoing process that has increased in recent years due to a large demand in the area of nuclear isotope identification. Alkaline earth halides, elpasolites and rare earth halides are very interesting because many compositions from these crystal families provide efficient Ce3+/ Eu2+ luminescence, good proportionality and good energy resolution. They also have small band-gap leading to higher light yields. Ce3+and Eu2+ are efficient, and the emission wavelengths in the 350-500 nm region matches well with PMTs and a new generation of Siphotodiodes. In this presentation, we will the present progress made in the crystal growth of these compositions, and scintillator properties of large diameter SrI2:Eu2+ single transparent crystals. The crystals were grown successfully using the vertical Bridgeman technique. Crystals with different diameters of 1”, 1.3”, and 1.5” will be discussed. SrI2:Eu was discovered a half century ago, and was recently found to be an outstanding material for gamma ray-spectroscopy with high light yield, very good non-proportionality, and excellent energy resolution. We will also discuss growth and properties of larger Cs2LiYCl6 (CLYC) crystals. Recently, it has been shown that crystals from the elpasolite family, including CLYC, can be successfully employed for a dual gamma ray and neutron detection, which is possible with the help of pulse shape discrimination (PSD). PSD allows for recognition of an incident particle’s nature based on the shape of the corresponding scintillation pulse. CLYC has the potential to minimize the cost and complexity of dual sensing gamma ray and neutron spectrometers. We also address progress in growth of CLYC crystals with large diameters (1” and 2”) that are transparent and crack free.

Citation Download Citation

R. Hawrami, C. Hines, I. Abselem, V. Biteman, J. Vaghini, J. Glodo, P. O'Dougherty, K. S. Shah, Nerine Cherepy, Stephen Payne, Arnold Burger, and Lynn Boatner "Latest advances in large diameter SrI:Eu and CLYC:Ce scintillators for isotope identification", Proc. SPIE 8507, Hard X-Ray, Gamma-Ray, and Neutron Detector Physics XIV, 850716 (24 October 2012); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.945937

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available