Comparative Investigation of the Performance of ZnO-Based Scintillators for Use as α-Particle Detectors

Journal Article · Sun Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 2006 · Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nima.2006.09.041· OSTI ID:931659

Neal, John S ^[1]; Boatner, Lynn A ^[1]; Giles, N. C. ^[2]; Halliburton, L. E. ^[2]; Derenzo, S. E. ^[3]; Bourret-Courchesne, E. D. ^[3]

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1. ORNL
2. West Virginia University
3. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL)

As part of a comprehensive investigation of the scintillation properties of zinc-oxide-based scintillators, four samples of gallium-doped zinc oxide (ZnO) powders have been characterized by means of X-ray excitation, {alpha}-particle excitation, and temperature-dependent photoluminescence (PL). The ultimate goals of these studies are, first, to understand the scintillation mechanisms that are operative in various members of the ZnO family of scintillators, and, subsequently, to use this knowledge in order to improve the radiation-detection performance of ZnO. These samples have been considered for use in an {alpha}-detector for installation in a deuterium-tritium (D-T) neutron generator. All of the samples demonstrated principal decay time components on the order of 1 ns. PL measurements of the four powder samples did not unequivocally support any of the discussed models. Excitonic and shallow acceptor models, however, share a common starting point for future investigations. The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) 3518 sample was found to be the most promising candidate, in terms of fast light output, for replacing the Nuclear Enterprises Technology sample for use in a ZnO:Ga-based {alpha}-particle detector. While the nature of the luminescence center(s) or the energy transfer mechanisms actually responsible for scintillation are not yet clearly understood, ZnO:Ga remains a highly desirable candidate scintillator for use in an {alpha}-detector for installation in a D-T neutron generator and extended investigations of the fundamental mechanisms and scintillation parameters that are operative in ZnO:Ga scintillators are continuing.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)
• Sponsoring Organization: ORNL work for others
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-00OR22725
• OSTI ID: 931659
• Journal Information: Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment, Journal Name: Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 568; ISSN 0168-9002
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
ALPHA DETECTION
DOPED MATERIALS
GALLIUM
NEUTRON GENERATORS
PERFORMANCE
PHOSPHORS
RADIATION DETECTORS
ZINC OXIDES