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

The optical properties of 20Al(PO3)3–80LiF (APLF80) glass co-doped with praseodymium (Pr3+) and cerium (Ce3+) ions are explored. By co-doping the host APLF80 glass matrix with praseodymium (Pr3+) and cerium (Ce3+) 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 Pr3+ to Ce3+ are observed. Non-radiative energy transfer leads to Pr3+ luminescence quenching resulting to faster decay times of Pr3+, especially at high Ce3+-doping concentrations. Our results present exciting prospects for APLF80 as a response time improved scintillator.