Spectroscopic investigation of praseodymium and cerium co-doped 20Al(PO3)3-80LiF glass for potential scintillator applications

Abstract The optical properties of 20Al(PO 3 ) 3 –80LiF (APLF80) glass co-doped with praseodymium (Pr 3+ ) and cerium (Ce 3+ ) ions are explored. By co-doping the host APLF80 glass matrix with praseodymium (Pr 3+ ) and cerium (Ce 3+ ) ions (APLF80 + PrCe), improvement in the luminescence decay time of the 5d → 4f allowed electric dipole transition of singly-doped APLF80 + Pr under optical excitation is achieved. Both radiative and non-radiative energy transfers from Pr 3+ to Ce 3+ are observed. Non-radiative energy transfer leads to Pr 3+ luminescence quenching resulting to faster decay times of Pr 3+ , especially at high Ce 3+ -doping concentrations. Our results present exciting prospects for APLF80 as a response time improved scintillator.