Effect of Zn2+ Co-doping on Scintillation Properties of Ce-doped Gd3Ga3Al2O12 Ceramic Powder Prepared by Co-precipitation Method

Zinc co-doped Ce:Gd3Ga3Al2O12 (Ce:GAGG) ceramic precursors were synthesized by chemical co-precipitation method. Thermogravimetric analysis and differential thermal analysis of the precursor powders were performed. The chemical molecule of precursors was analyzed by FTIR. The phases and morphology of the precursors at different calcination temperatures were studied by XRD and SEM. The results show that precursor powders consist of GdAlO3 and GAGG phases at 883 degrees C. Precursors completely convert to Ce:GAGG powders at 900 degrees C. The particles of Ce:GAGG powders calcined at 1200 degrees C range from 20 nm to 60 nm, and become homogeneous and smooth. The effect of polyethylene glycol (PEG) on the morphology of precursors was investigated. Particle size and size range of Ce:GAGG powders calcined at different temperatures were investigated. The influence of Zn2+ content on photoluminescence, radioluminescence, excitation spectra and fluorescent lifetime of Ce:GAGG was analyzed. The emission spectrum of Ce:GAGG co-doped with 0.4 mol% Zn2+ has the highest intensity. Zn2+ in Ce:GAGG powders has a positive effect on reducing the fluorescence lifetime.