Crystal growth and characterization of Tm doped mixed rare-earth aluminum perovskite

In this work, we present results of structural characterization and optical properties including radio luminescence of (LuxGdyY0.99−x−yTm0.01)AP single crystal scintillators for (x, y) = (0.30, 0.19), (0, 0.19) and (0, 0) grown by the micro-pulling-down (μ-PD) method. The grown crystals were single phase materials with perovskite structure (Pbnm) as confirmed by XRD and had a good crystallinity. The distribution of the crystal constituents in growth direction was evaluated, and significant segregation of Lu and Gd was detected in (Lu0.30Gd0.19Y0.50Tm0.01)AP sample. The crystals demonstrated 70% transmittance in visible wavelength range and some absorption bands due to Tm3+, Gd3+ and color centers were exhibited in 190–900 nm. The radioluminescence measurement under X-ray irradiation demonstrated several emission peaks ascribed to 4f–4f transitions of Tm3+ and Gd3+. The ratio of emission intensity in longer wavelength range was increased when Y was replaced by Lu or Gd.

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► (LuxGdyY0.99−x−yTm0.01)AP single crystals were grown by the μ-PD method.
► The grown crystals were single phase with perovskite structure (Pbnm). Significant segregation of Lu and Gd was detected in the growth direction.
► Some absorption bands due to Tm3+, Gd3+ and color centers were exhibited.
► Radioluminescence spectra showed several emission peaks ascribed to Tm3+ and Gd3+.