Radiation Damage Mechanisms In Scintillator Materials: Applications to BaF2 and CeF3

Abstract

ABSTRACTResults from recent radiation damage studies in high quality BaF2 and CeF3 crystals are presented. Optical absorption and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) techniques are used to identify specific radiation damage mechanisms. Specific attention is given to the role of oxygen and hydrogen in the room temperature damage of BaF2. Also, Mn2+ ions are shown to change valence state in BaF2during room temperature irradiation. Numerous optical absorption bands are created in CeF3 during irradiations at low temperature. These bands are associated with electron traps (either F centers or Ce2+ ions) and they thermal anneal below room temperature. An EPR spectrum, assigned to F centers, is observed in low-temperature irradiated CeF3.