High‐Resolution X‐Ray Time‐Lapse Imaging from Fluoride Nanocrystals Embedded in Glass Matrix

Abstract

A latent image of the target after the X‐ray irradiation induced via a 980 nm laser or thermal excitation provides great potentials for healthcare diagnostics and nondestructive inspection. Taking the advantage of X‐ray time‐lapse imaging, simplified facilities and visualized information can be achieved. However, information acquisition with higher resolution, combined with long‐term storage for the corresponding X‐ray images remains a challenge. Herein, Tb3+‐doped Ba2LaF7 nanocrystals (NCs) grown in situ and dispersed uniformly in an amorphous glass matrix is explored, which performs a fascinating X‐ray response for imaging with an impressive spatial resolution reaching 20.0 lp mm−1. Moreover, the as‐developed corresponding scintillators exhibit excellent optical storage capability upon X‐ray irradiation for the constructed deep traps, and a controllable release of the captured carriers induced by thermal disturbance, and 980 nm laser stimulation can be achieved. Notably, the imaging resolution is well preserved to be 20.0 lp mm−1 even recorded after 10 days. The as‐explored Ba2LaF7:Tb3+ NCs embedded within an amorphous matrix realize a feasible approach for a simplified X‐ray imaging system with high‐resolution information production.

All‐Inorganic Glass Scintillators: Scintillation Mechanism, Materials, and Applications

“…Tang et al precipitated Ba 2 LaF 7 :Tb 3+ nanocrystals in situ within a highly stable transparent amorphous glass. [ 36 ] This material showed excellent optical storage capacity, and could realize the controlled release of trapped carriers. [ 36 ] Therefore, it obtained very high resolution in imaging, and the imaging resolution remained unchanged after 10 days, which opened new opportunities for long‐term storage of X‐ray images.…”

Self-surfactant room-temperature synthesis of morphology-controlled K0.3Bi0.7F2.4 nanoscintillators

“…All these emission peaks can be ascribed to the multiple transitions from 5 D 3 and 5 D 4 excited states to the ground states of 7 F J ( J = 6, 5, 4, and 3). 39,40 The bottom of Fig. 3a displays the photoluminescence excitation and emission spectra of KBF:10% Tb dried at 120 1C.…”

“…Eventually, the excited Ln 3+ ions relax to ground states accompanied by multicolor radioluminescence. 40,[51][52][53] The radioluminescence stability of the scintillator materials is also very important. [54][55][56] The stability tests of the KBF:10% Tb and KBF:10% Eu powder samples were conducted under continuous X-ray irradiation (Fig.…”

Ultralong afterglow and unity quantum yield from a transparent CsCdCl3: Mn crystal

“…[15] Tang et al successfully embedded fluoride nanocrystals into an amorphous glass matrix, which exhibited a high transmittance up to 80%. [16] One major caveat of these nanocrystal-based strategies was the low photoluminescence quantum yield and ensuing poor afterglow intensity as a consequence of the abundant quenching sites on the surface. Recently, our group has developed several transparent afterglow crystals based on chloride double perovskite.…”