Neutron scintillator using Ga-doped ZnO phosphor with high detection efficiency

ZnO family phosphors as novel phosphor materials for neutron detector have prepared using Spark Plasma Sintering method. The optical properties of ZnO phosphor prepared are investigated. The following results were obtained. Two dominant PL emission peaks at 395 nm and 495 nm were observed. The lifetime of the PL emission peak at 395 nm ( UV emission band ) is about 20 ns, which is suitable for neutron detection. The Ga (30mol%)-doped ZnO phosphor exhibited an intense UV emission band without the visible emission band. The Ga-doped ZnO phosphor can be prepared at the atmospheric pressure of about 8 Pa using SPS method. It was found that the PL intensity of UV emission band is increased with improving the crystallinity of the ZnO phosphor.