Synthesis and characterization of Y2(SiO4)O:Ce with LiF and NaF additives

Polycrystalline, cerium-doped yttrium oxyorthosilicate (Y1.99Ce0.01SiO5, YSO:Ce) scintillator materials have been synthesized and characterized. The samples have been prepared using a mixed-powder route with LiF and NaF additives. The final reaction products have been analyzed for phase purity by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy. The concentration of the additives and the temperature of the thermal treatment have strongly effected the formation of the desired high-temperature (X2-YSO) phase. The best yield for X2-YSO has been obtained with the application of 18 mol% LiF at 1400 °C. Samples obtained in this way also showed the highest luminescence yield (intensity per irradiating photon), which was attributed to the effect of Li+ on the formation of the X2-YSO phase.