Radiation response of Er3+-doped SrF2 translucent ceramics

SrF 2 translucent ceramics with ErF 3 molar concentrations of 0.1% (0.1%ErF 3 -SrF 2 ), 0.5% (0.5%ErF 3 -SrF 2 ), and 1.0% (1.0%ErF 3 -SrF 2 ) were fabricated for ionizing radiation measurements with particular emphasis on the near infrared emission. Photoluminescence and scintillation due to the electronic transitions between 4f energy levels in Er 3+ appeared in the visible and near-infrared spectral range. A weak broadband scintillation peak at around 312 nm was also observed under X-ray excitation. The highest quantum yield in photoluminescence was observed from the 1.0%ErF 3 -SrF 2 . The minimum detectable dose rate under X-ray irradiation was evaluated with a InGaAs photodiode for near-infrared scintillators with 1.0%ErF 3 -SrF 2 showing the most intense near-infrared scintillation dose rate of 0.5 mGy/h. Thermoluminescence glow curves were also obtained by recording the thermoluminescence signal in the visible wavelength range. Thermoluminescence intensity decreased with increasing the ErF 3 doping level, and the lowest measurable dose for 0.1%ErF 3 -SrF 2 was 0.1 mGy. • Er 3+ -doped SrF 2 translucent ceramics were synthesized by spark plasma sintering. • The translucent ceramics showed luminescence due to the transition between 4f energy levels in Er 3+ . • The minimum measurable dose rate for near-infrared scintillation was about 0.5 mGy/h.