Nd3+ and Pr3+ doped inorganic scintillators

There is a strong interest in the development of inorganic scintillators with a fast response for applications in high-energy physics, medical diagnostics and a number of other fields. One of the main lines of research concerns luminescence from the allowed 5d-4f transitions of Ce³⁺ ions in appropriately chosen host lattices. Allowed 5d-4f transitions of Nd³⁺ and Pr³⁺ ions could also be of interest. However, until recently the study of materials doped with these ions has somewhat been neglected. In this paper we present a model-based discussion of fast lanthanide doped scintillators after a short introduction on scintillator requirements. Furthermore, a review is given of Nd³⁺ and Pr³⁺ doped scintillator data, including new results on Y₂SiO₅ :Pr³⁺