Homogeneity of Gd-based garnet transparent ceramic scintillators for gamma spectroscopy

Transparent polycrystalline ceramic scintillators based on the composition Gd1.49Y1.49Ce0.02Ga2.2Al2.8O12 are being developed for gamma spectroscopy detectors. Scintillator light yield and energy resolution depend on the details of various processing steps, including powder calcination, green body f...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of crystal growth 2013-09, Vol.379, p.79-83
Main Authors: Seeley, Z.M., Cherepy, N.J., Payne, S.A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
A2. Densification
A2. Sinter-HIP
Atmospheres
B1. Garnet
B2. Optical ceramic
B3. Scintillator
Ceramics
Energy resolution
Homogeneity
Sintering (powder metallurgy)
Spectroscopy
Sublimation
Vacuum sintering
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Summary:Transparent polycrystalline ceramic scintillators based on the composition Gd1.49Y1.49Ce0.02Ga2.2Al2.8O12 are being developed for gamma spectroscopy detectors. Scintillator light yield and energy resolution depend on the details of various processing steps, including powder calcination, green body formation, and sintering atmosphere. We have found that gallium sublimation during vacuum sintering creates compositional gradients in the ceramic and can degrade the energy resolution. While sintering in oxygen produces ceramics with uniform composition and little afterglow, light yields are reduced, compared to vacuum sintering. By controlling the atmosphere during the various process steps, we were able to minimize the gallium sublimation, resulting in a more homogeneous composition and improved gamma spectroscopy performance. ► Cubic inch size Gd-based garnet transparent ceramic scintillators fabricated by gel-casting. ► Gallium sublimes during processing creating inhomogeneity and causing degraded performance. ► Optimization of processing atmosphere led to homogeneous optics with improved performance.
ISSN:0022-0248
1873-5002
DOI:10.1016/j.jcrysgro.2012.11.042