Europium-doped Calcium Fluoride (Eu:CaF₂) is a well-established inorganic scintillation crystal that combines the excellent optical and mechanical properties of CaF₂ with the efficient luminescence of europium activator ions. This material is particularly valued for stable scintillation output, low afterglow, and good mechanical robustness, making it suitable for radiation detection in scientific, medical, and environmental applications.
Thanks to its uniform crystal structure, moderate decay time, and visible-range emission, Eu:CaF₂ is compatible with common photodetectors and remains reliable in demanding operating environments.
Key Properties of Europium-Doped Calcium Fluoride (Eu:CaF₂)
- Efficient Scintillation Performance: Europium doping significantly enhances the conversion efficiency of ionizing radiation into visible light.
- Visible-Range Emission: Emission centered around the blue-visible region allows efficient coupling with standard PMTs and photodiodes.
- Low Afterglow: Minimizes residual luminescence between detection events, improving accuracy in repeated measurements.
- Good Mechanical & Thermal Stability: Retains the favorable hardness and thermal shock resistance of CaF₂, suitable for long-term operation.
Crystal & Scintillation Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | CaF₂:Eu |
| Crystal Structure | Cubic system |
| Density | 3.18 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 1360 °C |
| Refractive Index | 1.47 |
| Mohs Hardness | 4 |
| Emission Peak | 435 nm |
| Decay Constant | ~940 ns |
| Cleavage Plane | (111) |
Eu:CaF₂ offers stable scintillation behavior with low afterglow, suitable for precision radiation measurements.
Typical Applications of Eu:CaF₂
- Radiation detection & monitoring (nuclear facilities, reactor monitoring, radiation survey systems)
- Medical imaging & diagnostics (gamma-ray detection and scintillation-based medical instruments)
- Environmental radiation monitoring (radioactive contamination detection and measurement)
- Scientific & nuclear physics research (low-energy nuclear experiments and laboratory detectors)
Shape Optics Eu:CaF₂ Capabilities
Shape Optics Technologies supplies high-quality Eu:CaF₂ scintillation crystals and crystal blanks, supported by over 20 years of optical and crystal manufacturing expertise.
Product & Service Offering
- Eu:CaF₂ scintillation crystals
- High-quality Eu:CaF₂ crystal blank materials
- OEM and custom scintillator solutions
Why Choose Europium-Doped Calcium Fluoride (Eu:CaF₂)?
Eu:CaF₂ is an excellent choice when applications require:
- Stable scintillation output with low afterglow
- Good mechanical durability and thermal stability
- Reliable performance for low-energy radiation detection
Its combination of optical stability, mechanical robustness, and consistent luminescence makes Eu:CaF₂ a trusted material for radiation monitoring, nuclear research, and medical diagnostics.