Characterizations of a Hot‐Pressed Polycrystalline Spinel:Ce Scintillator

Here, we report a new polycrystalline ceramic scintillator for possible use in γ‐ray detection and medical imaging applications. The goal was to develop a cerium‐doped spinel (MgAl 2 O 4 :Ce), which can be processed utilizing ceramic forming techniques. High‐purity MgAl 2 O 4 powders were used as the starting materials. Lithium fluoride (LiF) was used as a sintering aid and CeO 2 powder was used as the dopant. The mixed and dried powders were hot pressed in a vacuum environment to achieve high‐density MgAl 2 O 4 :Ce. The hot‐pressed sample shows a transparent polycrystalline appearance. In‐line transmission was measured to determine the transparency of the structure. Microstructures were characterized using X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Fluorescence absorption and emission peaks were also measured in addition to the decay time measurement.