Radiation response properties of Ce-doped CaF₂ transparent ceramics

We report on the luminescence properties of CaF2 transparent ceramics having various concentrations of CeF3 (0.1 %, 0.5 %, and 1 %). Scintillation emissions centered at approximately 318, 345, and 386 nm derived from the 5d -> 4f transition of Ce3+ were detected, and scintillation light yields were determined to be 8600 photons/MeV (0.1 % CeF3), 1930 photons/MeV (0.5 % CeF3), and 1850 photons/MeV (1 % CeF3) under gamma-ray irradiation from Am-241. The Ce-doped CaF2 transparent ceramics showed thermally stimulated luminescence (TSL) with a broad glow peak at around 115-145 degrees C, and their dose response curves were determined over a broad dose range (0.01-3 mGy). Moreover, optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) exponential decay curves were obtained under 500 nm stimulation light, and dose response curves were obtained in the dose range of 0.1-100 mGy. The minimum detectable dose was estimated to be 0.1 mGy. A direct correlation between scintillation light yields under gamma-ray irradiation and TSL/OSL intensities was demonstrated.