Self-absorption in SrI2:2%Eu2+ between 78 K and 600 K

Self-absorption of the Eu2+ emission is an important aspect in SrI2:Eu that affects its scintillation performance. To calculate the probability of self-absorption, we measured the light yield and the decay time of 1–15 mm thick SrI2:2%Eu samples at temperatures between 78 K and 600 K. The obtained properties of SrI2:2%Eu crystals were then compared to those of SrI2:5%Eu. The decay times of SrI2:5%Eu crystals were the same or somewhat longer compared to those of twice as thick SrI2:2%Eu crystals. Accordingly, doubling the thickness has the same effect on the probability of self-absorption as doubling the Eu concentration.

► Light yield and decay time of 1–15 mm SrI2:2%Eu crystals were measured at 78–600 K.
► Probabilities of self-absorption of Eu emission were calculated.
► The obtained properties were compared to those of SrI2:5%Eu.
► Doubling sample size has approximately the same effect on decay time as doubling Eu concentration.