Enhanced emission intensity of Ce3 + ions in Li2O–B2O3–Gd2O3 scintillating glasses by adding carbon and Si3N4 agent

• Neutron glass of Ce3 +-doped Li2O–B2O3–Gd2O3 glass is developed.
• Neutron glass shows broad band centered at 360 nm and a lifetime of about 36–38 ns.
• Both carbon and Si3N4 are effective reducing agents for the neutron glass.
• Corresponding emission intensity can be increased by a factor of about 3 and 4.5, respectively.

Ce3 +-doped Li2O–B2O3–Gd2O3 scintillating glasses containing neutron-capture elements were synthesized by melt quenching method in air. More attention is paid on the improved optical properties induced by adding carbon and Si3N4 as a reducing agent. The spectral results show that energy transfer efficiency from Gd3 + to Ce3 + ions reaches approximately 95%. With the incorporation of carbon and Si3N4 into the designed glass, the enhanced emission of Ce3 + ions can be further increased by a factor of about 3 and 4.5, respectively. The investigated Ce3 +-doped Li2O–B2O3–Gd2O3 scintillating glass is characterized with the broad band centered at 360 nm and a lifetime of about 36–38 ns, which will be potential application for neutron detection.

CeO2-(No. 2) and CeF3-doped (No. 3 Li2O–B2O3–Gd2O3 glasses are synthesized in air atmosphere, respectively. With the further incorporation of carbon (No. 4) and Si3N4 (No. 5) into the CeF3-doped glass as a reducing agent, the emission intensity of Ce3 + ions can be increased by a factor of about 3 and 4.5, respectively. The developed neutron scintillating glass shows the broad band centered at 360 nm and a lifetime of about 36–38 ns.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide