Europium-doped calcium fluoride (Eu:CaF2) is a notable scintillation crystal, used for its luminescent properties that are enhanced by the presence of europium ions. These crystals are particularly valued for their effective scintillation response in various radiation detection applications, combining the intrinsic properties of calcium fluoride with the luminescent capabilities of europium.
Properties of Europium-doped Calcium Fluoride (Eu:CaF2):
- Efficient Scintillation: The doping of CaF2 with europium significantly enhances its scintillation efficiency. Europium acts as an activator, increasing the crystal’s ability to convert radiation into visible light.
- Broad Emission Spectrum: Eu:CaF2 typically exhibits a broad emission spectrum, which is centered around the visible region, making it suitable for detection with common photodetectors.
- Good Mechanical Properties: Like undoped CaF2, the europium-doped version retains good mechanical properties, including resistance to thermal shock and hardness, suitable for a variety of demanding environments.
- Low Afterglow: The crystal has a low afterglow, which is crucial for applications requiring quick cycle times between signal detection events, minimizing error due to residual luminescence.
Applications:
- Radiation Detection: Used in radiation detectors for nuclear and particle physics, where its ability to efficiently convert high-energy photons and particles into detectable light is critical.
- Medical Imaging: In medical imaging technologies, such as gamma cameras and other scintillation-based imaging systems, Eu:CaF2 can be used due to its effective light emission and compatibility with imaging detectors.
- Environmental Monitoring: The crystal’s sensitivity to various types of radiation makes it suitable for environmental radiation monitoring, helping to detect and measure radioactive contamination.
- Scientific Research: Researchers utilize Eu:CaF2 in experimental setups in laboratories, especially in studies involving the detection of faint light signals from various radiation sources.
The synthesis of Eu:CaF2 requires precise doping techniques to ensure that the europium is evenly distributed within the calcium fluoride matrix. This uniformity is crucial for achieving consistent scintillation properties across the crystal, ensuring optimal performance in its intended applications.
Shapeoptics is Able to Offer
- Good quality Eu:CaF2 scintillation crystal
- Good quality Eu:CaF2 crystal blank materials
- OEM service for good quality Eu:CaF2 crystals
Crystal Properties
| Density / g.cm-3 | 3.18 |
| Melting Point / ℃ | 1360 |
| Refractive Index | 1.47 |
| Mohs Hardness | 4 |
| Emission Peak / nm | 435 |
| Decay Constant / ns | 940 |
| Crystal Structure | Cubic System |
| Cleavage Plane | (111) |
Eu doped Calcium Fluoride as an excellent scintillation crystal has been widely used in low energy nuclear physics experiment nuclear reactor detecting, radiation monitor and radioactivity medical sci- ence diagnoses.
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