Optical and scintillation properties of LiCaAlF6:Eu crystal

Absorption, photo- and radioluminescence spectra have been investigated for as-grown and irradiated LiCaAlF6:Eu crystal. Eu2+ ions markedly over lap. Irradiation induces Eu3+→Eu2+ transition and F-centers formation. Color centers destruction in the process of crystal annealing is accompanied by thermostimulated luminescence (peaks at 340, 420 and 490 K) with the typical for Eu2+ ion emission (370 nm). Scintillation light output is defined by the thickness of sample, Eu2+ concentration and contribution of factors, controlling Eu3+⇋Eu2+ transformation in LiCaAlF6:Eu.