A highly robust Ce3+-doped and Gd3+-mixed KLaF4 nano-glass composite scintillator

Abstract

Transparent Ce³⁺-doped nano-glass composites (nano-GCs) embedded with pure and Gd³⁺-mixed KLaF₄ nanocrystals (NCs) are prepared by a cost-effective and reproducible glass-making and thermal treatment method. The nano-GCs can be readily cast into various sizes and shapes. The growth of the Gd³⁺-mixed NCs and the enrichment of Ce³⁺ in the NCs are unambiguously revealed. Significantly enhanced emissions of Ce³⁺ with a photoluminescence quantum yield as high as 92.7% are observed in the nano-GCs embedded with the Gd³⁺-mixed NCs. The integral X-ray excited emission intensity of the nano-GC is 170% that of the Bi₄Ge₃O₁₂ (BGO) single crystal. A light output of about 853 ± 8 ph per MeV with an energy resolution of 22.27% is obtained using the nano-GC for γ-ray (662 keV) detection. The Monte Carlo simulation is carried out to understand the differences in X- and γ-ray responses. As a proof-of-concept, a real-time remote X-ray fiber dosimeter is constructed using a scintillating fiber made out of the nano-GC, which shows an excellent linear response with the irradiation dose, good thermal stability and radiation hardness.