Characterizations of a Hot-Pressed Polycrystalline Spinel:Ce Scintillator

摘要

Here, we report a new polycrystalline ceramic scintillator for possible use in γ-ray detection and medical imaging applications. The goal was to develop a cerium-doped spinel (MgAl_2O_4:Ce), which can be processed utilizing ceramic forming techniques. High-purity MgAl_2O_4 powders were used as the starting materials. Lithium fluoride (LiF) was used as a sintering aid and CeO_2 powder was used as the dopant. The mixed and dried powders were hot pressed in a vacuum environment to achieve high-density MgAl_2O_4:Ce. The hot-pressed sample shows a transparent polycrystaUine appearance. In-line transmission was measured to determine the transparency of the structure. Microstructures were characterized using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Fluorescence absorption and emission peaks were also measured in addition to the decay time measurement.