Improvements in the X‐ray Characteristics of Gd ₂ O ₂ S:Pr Ceramic Scintillators

Abstract

The image quality of X‐ray computed tomography can be improved by using X‐ray detectors with more‐sensitive, low‐afterglow scintillators. A Gd 2 O 2 S:Pr ceramic scintillator with a light output 1.8 times that of CdWO 4 already is available commercially to fit that need. The present study investigates the effect of adding various rare‐earth elements to Gd 2 O 2 S:Pr ceramic scintillators to improve light output and reduce radiation damage. When terbium is added in a 0.001 atomic fraction, light output improves ∼15%, based on energy transfer. Radiation damage decreases with increasing additions of cerium; the Ce 3+ ions apparently reduce the color centers generated by X‐ray irradiation.