High-Resolution X-Ray Time-Lapse Imaging from Fluoride Nanocrystals Embedded in Glass Matrix

A latent image of the target after the X-ray irradiation induced via a 980 nm laser or thermal excitation provides great potentials for healthcare diagnostics and nondestructive inspection. Taking the advantage of X-ray time-lapse imaging, simplified facilities and visualized information can be achieved. However, information acquisition with higher resolution, combined with long-term storage for the corresponding X-ray images remains a challenge. Herein, Tb3+-doped Ba2LaF7 nanocrystals (NCs) grown in situ and dispersed uniformly in an amorphous glass matrix is explored, which performs a fascinating X-ray response for imaging with an impressive spatial resolution reaching 20.0 lp mm(-1). Moreover, the as-developed corresponding scintillators exhibit excellent optical storage capability upon X-ray irradiation for the constructed deep traps, and a controllable release of the captured carriers induced by thermal disturbance, and 980 nm laser stimulation can be achieved. Notably, the imaging resolution is well preserved to be 20.0 lp mm(-1) even recorded after 10 days. The as-explored Ba2LaF7:Tb3+ NCs embedded within an amorphous matrix realize a feasible approach for a simplified X-ray imaging system with high-resolution information production.