Scintillator-Oriented Investigation of Y3Al5O12:Ce,Tb Powders

The spectral and kinetic characteristics of YAG:Ce,Tb powders (with Tb3+ concentration varying up to 100%, relative to Y) using cathode-ray and UV excitations were determined. The energy diagram of YAG:Ce,Tb was constructed and energy transfer processes in the compound were studied. The most effective resonance energy transfer takes place at Tb3+ concentrations of 20%. There is no evidence of Ce3+→Tb3+ energy back transfer for (Y,Tb)AG:Ce even in high resolution spectra. The optimal Tb3+ content for maximum light output of YAG:Ce,Tb was determined to be 20% and for lowest afterglow 100%.