Luminescence characteristics of Lu0.8Sc0.2BO3:RE3+ (RE = Eu, Tb) polycrystalline powders

Lu0.8Sc0.2BO3:RE3+ (RE = Eu, Tb) polycrystalline powders were prepared by high temperature solid state reaction method. The X-ray diffraction measurements confirmed that the doped materials were all monophasic solid solution powders. The influences of activator ion (Eu3+ or Tb3+) concentration on the photoluminescence and radioluminescence characteristics were investigated and discussed. The Tb3+ doped materials showed excellent light yields than Eu3+ doped materials under X-ray excitation. The fluorescence decay times of the optimal materials excited by UV were measured. Their defect properties were studied by thermoluminescence (TL) as a function of temperature (300–600 K) and the corresponding trap depth, frequency factor and detrapping time were theoretically calculated. The Eu3+ and Tb3+ ions were the unique recombination centers in corresponding samples. In addition, considering their attracting luminescence properties and excellent physical properties (high-density and non-hygroscope), the Lu0.8Sc0.2BO3:RE3+ (RE = Eu, Tb) can be used for X-ray medical imaging system, hence their crystal growth and characterizations deserve further investigation.

► The scintillation efficiency of Lu0.8Sc0.2BO3:0.5 at%Eu3+ reaches 90% BGO powders.
► The scintillation efficiency of Lu0.8Sc0.2BO3:0.3 at%Tb3+ reaches 270% BGO powders.
► The major component of decay time for Lu0.8Sc0.2BO3:0.5 at%Eu3+ sample is 53 μs.
► The major component of decay time for Lu0.8Sc0.2BO3:0.3 at%Tb3+ sample is 115 μs.
► The Lu0.8Sc0.2BO3:RE3+ (RE = Eu, Tb) could be used for X-ray imaging system.