Growth and characterization of Yb3+ doped garnet crystals for scintillator application

Abstract Several concentration of Yb-doped Lu 3 Al 5 O 12 (Yb:LuAG) and Lu 3 Ga 5 O 12 (Yb:LGG) single crystals were grown by the micro-pulling-down method. The crystals were seeded-grown in the 〈1 1 1〉 direction and transparent and crack free crystals were obtained. Photoluminescence spectra and decay kinetics of these crystals were studied. Charge transfer luminescence of Yb 3+ was observed in both crystals. Mean decay time of about 25 ns at 90 K and strong thermal quenching at room temperature was measured for Yb 5%:LuAG. Radioluminescence intensity was compared to the standard BGO sample.