Diamond–Rare Earth Composites with Embedded NaGdF<sub>4</sub>:Eu Nanoparticles as Robust Photo- and X-ray-Luminescent Materials for Radiation Monitoring Screens
Vadim Sedov, Sergey Kouznetsov, Artem Martyanov, V. Yu. Proydakova, Victor Ralchenko, А.А. Khomich, В. В. Воронов, Sergey Batygov, I.A. Kamenskikh, D. Spassky, Sergey Savin, П. П. Федоров
Abstract
Thin-film diamond–rare earth fluoride nanocomposites have been produced by chemical vapor deposition to be used as a source of intensive photo- and X-ray luminescence. The composites with embedded Eu-containing nanoparticles show high-intensity orange narrow-band photoluminescence near the wavelength of 612 nm. Using β-NaGdF4:Eu instead of Eu(III) tri-(2,6-pyridine dicarboxylic acid) and europium fluoride in the diamond matrix resulted in enhanced signal/noise ratio in the luminescence. The mapping of the spatial distribution of photoluminescence intensity on macro- and micro scale revealed highly uniform emission originated from the composite. The developed composite material with mechanically strong, highly thermally conducting and transparent diamond matrix opens a way to use the diamond–fluoride composites as photo- and X-ray luminescent screens (scintillators) capable to withstand high photon fluxes.