Growth of LuAP/LuYAP single crystals for pet applications

• Published in: Radiation effects and defects in solids 2002-01, Vol.157 (6-12), p.943-949
• Main Authors: Petrosyan, A. G., Ovanesyan, K. L., Shirinyan, G. O., Derzyan, M. V., Butaeva, T. I., Dujardin, C., Garnier, N., Pedrini, C.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: (Lu, Y)AlO3-Ce3; Absorption; Condensed matter: structure, mechanical and thermal properties; Defects and impurities in crystals; microstructure; Doping and impurity implantation in other materials; Exact sciences and technology; Experimental methods and instrumentation for elementary-particle and nuclear physics; Lualo3-Ce3; Nuclear physics; Physics; Radiation detectors, dosimeters; Scintillation; Scintillation detectors; Structure of solids and liquids; crystallography; Thermoluminescence
• ISSN: 1042-0150; 1029-4953
• DOI: 10.1080/10420150215759

The light yield and decay properties are the most crucial parameters of cerium-doped lutetium orthoaluminate (LuAlO 3 -Ce, LuAP) and yttrium containing solid solution (Lu 1 m x Y x AlO 3 -Ce, LuYAP), which will be used in Positron Emission Tomographs (PET). Both characteristics strongly depend on the optical quality and cerium concentration introduced into the crystal. Factors governing the crystal quality are commented on. A clear improvement of scintillation properties with increasing the doping concentration is demonstrated in a series of LuYAP (Lu=80 v at.%) crystals scanning the concentration range from 0.1 to 0.4 v at.%. Testing of relations is performed between the crystal doping level and low-temperature thermoluminescence spectra, as well as between the doping level and absorption spectra in UV range.