${\hbox {SrI}}_{2}{:}{\hbox {Eu}}^{2+}$ -Scintillators for Spectroscopy and X-Ray Imaging Applications

Much work is going on presently to improve the crystal growth and packaging of the Eu²⁺ activated SrI₂ scintillator, thanks to its excellent scintillation properties like high light yield and good energy resolution. Larger crystals are needed for spectroscopic applications, and proper packaging is important for long-time field use and application in other areas due to its hygroscopic nature. In this paper, we report on the successful growth of a SrI₂:Eu [6 mol%] single crystal in silica ampoule to prevent melt hydration and oxygen contamination using the vertical Bridgman technique. The scintillation properties of a 0.314 cm³ SrI₂:Eu sample are presented, showing a light output of ~80 000 ph/MeV . A 360 μm sample was investigated for X-ray imaging applications; we also show how the sample was prepared for the measurement and the result of this preliminary investigation.