CaF2(Eu2+):LiF – Structural and spectroscopic properties of a new system for neutron detection

A series of composites of CaF2(Eu2+) and LiF with different Ca/Li ratios were fabricated via liquid phase consolidation. Luminescent properties of these samples were investigated. Radioluminescence shows the typical Eu2+ blue emission in all the compositions. The energy spectra measured under γ and neutron irradiation indicates that the most promising composition for neutron detection is the eutectic.