Optimization of scintillation performance via a combinatorial multi-elementco-doping strategy: Application to NaI:Tl

A combinatorial approach where doped bulk scintillator materials can be rapidly optimized for theirpropertiesthrough concurrent extrinsic doping/co-doping strategies is presented. The concept thatmakes use of design ofexperiment, rapid growth, and evaluation techniques, and multivariableregression a...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of applied physics 2015-08, Vol.118 (8)
Main Authors: Khodyuk, I V, Messina, S A, Hayden, T J, Bourret, E D, Bizarri, G A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Alkaline earth metals
Applied physics
Calcium ions
Combinatorial analysis
Composition
Doping
Optimization
Scintillation
Scintillation counters
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Summary:A combinatorial approach where doped bulk scintillator materials can be rapidly optimized for theirpropertiesthrough concurrent extrinsic doping/co-doping strategies is presented. The concept thatmakes use of design ofexperiment, rapid growth, and evaluation techniques, and multivariableregression analysis, has been successfully applied to the engineering of NaIperformance, a historical but mediocre performer in scintillation detection. Using thisapproach, we identified a three-element doping/co-doping strategy that significantlyimproves the material performance. The composition was uncovered by simultaneouslyscreening for a beneficial co-dopant ion among the alkaline earth metal family and byoptimizing its concentration and that of Tl+ and Eu2+ ions. Thecomposition with the best performance was identified as 0.1% mol Tl+, 0.1% molEu2+, and 0.2% mol Ca2+. This formulation shows enhancement ofenergyresolution and light output at 662 keV, from 6.3 to 4.9%, and from 44 000 to52 000 ph/MeV, respectively. The method, in addition to improving NaI performance,provides a versatile framework for rapidly unveiling complex and concealed correlationsbetween material composition and performance, and should be broadly applicableto optimization of other materialproperties.
ISSN:0021-8979
1089-7550