Preparation and Optical Spectroscopy of BaFCl/Eu~(2+): a Photoluminescent X-ray Storage Phosphor

摘要

Computed radiography, a digital X-ray imaging technique using photostimulable phosphor storage media is one of the primary candidates to replace the long-established screen-film radiography. It allows the combination of highly advanced photographic technology with digital computer techniques. X-ray storage phosphors such as BaFX/Eu~(2+) (X= Cl, Br, and I) have been widely discussed in the field of the radiography and crystallography. In the present paper, a new method for the preparation of flake-like Eu~(2+) doped BaFCl nano/submicrocrystal has been developed. A co-precipitation chemical reaction between BaCl_2 and NH_4F aqueous solution in reverse micelles has been used at room temperature. Doping with Eu~(2+) was carried out by adding EuCl_3 during preparation time. A fine powder consisting of 60 to 500 nm flake-like microcrystals has been obtained by a one-step chemical reaction without thermal treatment. The storage phosphor has been characterized by synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscope and optical methods. Photoluminescence (PL) measurements attest the europium impurification and oxygen contamination during preparation. We believe the prepared phosphors may have potential applications in imaging plates.