Scintillation properties of Yb-doped yttrium–aluminum garnets

Relative light yield (LY) dependence on temperature for Yb:YAG crystals containing 10% to 100% of Yb dopant is studied for γ and α excitation. The maximum LY is achieved at 120 K<T<140 K. LY=(13.5±2.5)×103 Ph/MeV at T=140 K for (Yb 25%) YAG. Linearity of the light output is checked. α/γ ratio is found to be 0.42±0.02. Pulse shapes induced by γ and α particles and cosmic rays are investigated by analysing a set of single events recorded. γ events are fast (τ<4 ns), while other kinds of radiation give rise to more complicated and longer profiles, allowing particle discrimination. Dependence of scintillation properties on concentration of Yb and purity is discussed.