Eu3+ doped transparent germanate glass ceramic scintillators containing LaF3 nanocrystals for X-ray detection

Eu3+ doped transparent germanate glass ceramics containing LaF3 nanocrystals have been prepared by the conventional melt quenching technique with subsequent heat treatment. XRD, TEM and HRTEM were used to verify the formation of LaF3 nanocrystals. Emission spectra, fluorescence decay and X-ray excited luminescence (XEL) were employed to elucidate the optical properties of Eu3+ doped germanate glasses and glass ceramics. The maximum integrated XEL intensity of the glass ceramic is about 20% of that of the commercial Bi4Ge3O12 (BGO) scintillating crystal. The results indicate that Eu3+ doped germanate glass ceramic could be a promising scintillating material used in X-ray detection field.