Luminescence and scintillation properties of the new Ce-doped Tl2LiGdCl6 single crystals

Growth, luminescence and scintillation characterizations of the new Tl2LiGdCl6:Ce3+ (TLGC:Ce3+) single crystals are reported. This crystal was grown by the Bridgman technique and the composition belongs to the elpasolites family. X-ray induced emission spectra of the Ce-doped samples show the emission between 360 and 440 nm and peaking at 387 nm. The emission was attributed to the Ce3+ ions in the host lattice. The highest light yield of 58,000±6000 ph/MeV and 4.6±0.2% (FWHM) energy resolution was obtained for 10% Ce doped sample. Three decay time components were observed for the 10% Ce-concentration under γ-ray excitation at room temperature. Among the decay time constants, the fast decay time constant of 34 ns (81%) due to Ce3+ luminescence was obtained. Further investigation to improve scintillation material is underway.