Synthesis of Eu-doped (Gd,Y)₂O₃ transparent optical ceramic scintillator

A novel process for transparent oxide ceramic scintillator with a composition of Gd_1.94-x Y_x Eu_0.06O₃ was developed. The process consists of a glycine–nitrate combustion synthesis of nano-sized starting powder and subsequent controlled sintering and annealing steps. The organic molecules remaining in the as-combusted powder were efficiently removed by the combined heat-treatment at vacuum and air atmospheres. Hot-pressed ceramic scintillators show transparent optical state and high light output. Transparent optical ceramic scintillator with a high content of Gd (up to 80 mol%) was fabricated by the process. The measured light output of Gd_1.54Y_0.4Eu_0.06O₃ ceramic scintillator was about two times higher that that of CdWO₄ single crystal.