Pr 3 + -doped fluoro-oxide lithium glass as scintillator for nuclear fusion diagnostics

Abstract

Experimental results are presented on the neutron scintillating properties of a custom-designed Pr3+ (praseodymium)-doped lithium (Li) glass. Luminescence was observed at 278 nm wavelength, originating from the 5d-4f transition. Time-resolved measurements yielded about 20 ns decay times for ultraviolet and x-ray excitation while much faster decay times of about 6 ns were observed for alpha particle and neutron excitation. Actual time-of-flight data in laser fusion experiments at the GEKKO XII facility of the Institute of Laser Engineering, Osaka University reveal that it can clearly discriminate fusion neutrons from the much stronger x-rays signals. This material can promise improved accuracy in future scattered neutron diagnostics.

Imaging of Radiation Accidents and Radioactive Contamination Using Scintillators

“…The efficacy of a hydrothermal-method-grown ZnO crystal as a scintillator for UV region has been previously demonstrated (Furukawa et al, 2008;M. Tanaka et al, 2007;Nakazato et al, 2009), wherein the reported decay time of the ZnO scintillator was 1ns for EUV excitation at 13nm using Ag-plasma EUV laser. However, a faster response time is needed.…”

“…The highest doping of Pr +3 was found to be 3% at the present manufacturing procedure. The preliminary characteristics were reported in (Murata et al, 2009). …”

“…Thus, the detector has to be placed at close proximity to the fusion plasma; necessitating a scintillator with a time decay of less than 20 ns. In this work, results are presented on the fast response time of a custom-developed Pr 3+ (Praseodymium)-doped lithium glass as a scintillator material (Arikawa et al, 2009). The Pr 3+ ion with a higher emission cross section in the deep ultraviolet region (~270 nm) is preferred as a dopant over the slower, albeit more widely-used Ce 3+ ( Cerium) ion with its smaller emission cross section at longer wavelengths (Ehrlich et al, 1979;Fairley & Spowart, 1978;Suzuki et al, 2002).…”

Scintillation and Optical Properties of Ce-Doped Fluoride Glass Samples with Different Ce Concentrations

“…(1)(2)(3) For inertial confinement fusion (ICF), 20Al(PO 3 ) 3 -80LiF (APLF) glass samples doped with Ce, praseodymium (Pr), neodymium (Nd), and erbium (Er) have also been investigated for neutron detector applications. (4,5) These APLF samples are sensitive to neutrons because of their high concentration of lithium ( 6 Li). APLF glass has a fast response without afterglow compared to conventional Li glass neutron scintillators such as GS2 (Saint-Gobain).…”

Multichannel down-scattered neutron detector for areal density measurement

“…For these purposes, a fast-response 6 Li glass scintillator (APLF80) has been developed [4]. The energy peak of the down-scattered neutrons from DD fusion is at 0.27 MeV, matching the resonant peak in the cross section of neutron detection for a 6 Li scintillator [1].…”