Fabrication and characterization of Eu3+-doped Lu2O3 scintillation ceramics

Density, morphology, optical transmittance and luminescence of undoped and europium-doped Lu2O3 ceramics have been studied. It has been revealed that europium ions in concentration of 5 at.% act as a solid-state sintering aids in Lu2O3 ceramics promoting its densification. Lu2O3:Eu3+ optical ceramics with relative density of 98 ± 2%, with an average grain size of 50 μm and in-line transmittance of 41% in the visible wavelength range has been produced by vacuum sintering at Т = 1850 °С. The scintillation characteristics of Lu2O3:Eu3+ ceramics under excitation with α-particles (238Рu source, E = 5.46 МeV) have been determined for the first time (S = 500 ± 50 photons/МeV, R = 26.5%).

► Translucent Lu2O3:Eu3+ ceramics has been prepared by vacuum sintering of nanopowders.
► Europium ions act as a solid-state sintering aid in Lu2O3 ceramics.
► Europium-doped Lu2O3 ceramics has higher transmittance compared to undoped ones.
► Scintillation characteristic of Lu2O3:Eu3+ ceramics have been determined.