Emission spectra and thermoluminescence of rare-earth-doped bismuth silicate crystals grown by modified Bridgman method

• Published in: Journal of crystal growth Vol. 401; pp. 305 - 307
• Main Authors: Xiong, Zhengye, Xu, Jiayue, Zhang, Yan, Tan, Zhijian, Shen, Hui, Yang, Bobo, Li, Yongqiang, Chen, Jinmin, Guo, Jingyuan
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01.09.2014; Elsevier
• Subjects: A1. Doping; A2. Bridgman technique; B2. Scintillator materials; Bi4Si3O12 crystal; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Exact sciences and technology; Growth from melts; zone melting and refining; Materials science; Methods of crystal growth; physics of crystal growth; Physics; A2. Bridgman technique; A1. Doping; Bi4Si3O12 crystal; B2. Scintillator materials; Crystal growth; crystal; Doping; Bi; Mechanical properties; Silicates; Hardness; O; Si; Bismuth; Cerium additions; Bridgman method; Crystal growth from melts; Thermoluminescence
• ISSN: 0022-0248; 1873-5002
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrysgro.2014.01.024

Pure and rare-earth-doped bismuth silicate (BSO) crystals were grown in the same condition by the modified Bridgman method. UV exited florescence and thermoluminescence (TL) glow curves were investigated. The emission spectra of BSO crystals doped with Ce3+, Y3+, Gd3+ and Yb3+ ions respectively are similar to that of pure BSO crystal with a band at about 480nm, but Dy3+ and Eu3+ doped BSO crystals show sharp emission peaks. Especially, the emission intensity of BSO:Dy is much higher than that of pure BSO crystal. Pure and Y3+, Gd3+ and Yb3+ ions doped BSO crystals have similar TL glow curves but Eu3+ doped BSO crystal has extra strong peaks at 380nm and 560nm. No thermoluminescence is detected for BSO:Ce crystal, which implied BSO:Ce has large radiation hardness. It was suggested that Dy3+ ions replace some Bi3+ ions in BSO crystal and become new luminescent center. As a result, BSO:Dy crystal can be a potential excellent scintillator. •Pure and rare-earth-doped bismuth silicate (BSO) crystals were grown in the same condition by modified Bridgman method.•We found that Ce, Y, Gd and Yb ions in BSO crystal can׳t act as luminescence centers, and Dy and Eu ions can become new luminescence centers in BSO crystal.•We found BSO:Dy can be a potential excellent scintillator.