Fabrication and Properties of Translucent SrI $_2$ and Eu:SrI $_2$ Scintillator Ceramics

Preparation of SrI₂ and Eu:SrI₂ ceramics is reported on for the first time. Translucent ceramics were sintered by hot-pressing. Thermal analysis on SrI₂ and EuI₂ starting powders was used to identify dehydration temperatures and informed the choice of sintering conditions. Optical transmission was found to decrease with increasing temperature and time. Microstructure studies (grain size and texture) were used to evaluate variations in optical transmission between samples. Scintillation characterization was carried out on 5 wt% Eu:SrI₂ ceramics. X-ray radio-luminescence spectra showed both the characteristic Eu²⁺ emission band and a lower-intensity, broad emission in the visible. Scintillation lifetimes were shorter than those previously reported for single-crystal samples, and afterglow was substantially lower. A light yield of 21 000 ph/MeV was calculated from the photopeaks under γ-irradiation. Like single-crystal samples, Eu:SrI₂ ceramics were found to have a very proportional response with γ -ray energy.