Energy transfer and storage processes in scintillators: The role and nature of defects

Single crystals of PbWO4 and Lu3Al5O12-based scintillators were studied by correlated electron paramagnetic resonance and thermally stimulated luminescence experiments. The nature of some of the intrinsic trapping centers and their role in the energy transfer and storage processes were explained. Examples of material doping and co-doping are given, which succeeded in suppression of specific point defects and improvement of scintillation performance.