Crystal growth and scintillation properties of Li6LuxGd1−x(BO3)3: Ce3+ single crystals

Mixed crystals of Li6Gd(BO3)3 and Li6Lu(BO3)3, Li6LuxGd1−x(BO3)3, doped with Ce3+ ion are grown by the Czochralski technique (x=0.0, 0.2, 0.5, 0.8, 1.0). The growth problems during the crystal growth process and the technique to overcome them are discussed in detail. Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirms single phase of all the grown samples. Laser induced luminescence spectra are presented. Scintillation properties such as energy resolution, light yield, decay time and α/β ratio under the excitation of γ-rays and α-particles are also presented.