Effect of Al powder on Tb3+-doped borogermanate glass for X-ray detection

Here, we successfully prepared Tb 3+ -activated borogermanate glass by the traditional melt-quenching method. The optical and scintillating properties were investigated by using photoluminescence, transmission spectra, luminescence decay curves and X-ray excited luminescence. High content of Gd 2 O 3 was added into borogermanate glass to improve the density of glass (about 5.52 g/cm 3 ), and thus to enhance the radiation stopping power. Al powder was introduced into the composition as reducing agent. Due to incorporation of Al powder, the internal quantum efficiency of glass increases from 18.8% to 56.3%. Meanwhile, the integrated intensity of X-ray excited luminescence of glass promotes from 29.8% to 46.6% compared to Bi 4 Ge 3 O 12 scintillating crystal. All above results declare that Al powder as reducing agent can strengthen the optical and scintillating properties of Tb 3+ -activated borogermanate glass. • The density of borogermanate glass with high content of Gd 2 O 3 is 5.52 g/cm 3 . • The quantum efficiency increases from 18.8% to 56.3% after addition of Al powder. • The XEL intensity promotes from 29.8% to 46.6% due to addition of Al powder.