Development of BaF2 transparent ceramics and evaluation of the scintillation properties

We have developed BaF2 transparent ceramics by using a spark plasma sintering (SPS), and investigated optical, scintillation and dosimeter properties, in comparison with a BaF2 single crystal. The photoluminescence emission peak of transparent ceramics prepared in a vacuum condition appeared around 500 nm. Under X-ray irradiation, emissions at 190 and 220 nm due to auger-free luminescence (AFL) were observed in the ceramic samples. The scintillation light yield of the BaF2 transparent ceramics was evaluated to be about 6000 photons/MeV under 137Cs γ-rays. In addition, the afterglow level of ceramic sample was lower than that of the single crystal. Thermally-stimulated luminescence glow peaks were observed at 50, 105, 140, 205, 280 and 420 °C in all the samples.