Radiation Damage Studies on BAF2 and BGO Scintillator Materials

Radiation damage effects in BGO and BaF2 have been studied in samples of commercial material. Optical transmission and scintillator response have been measured for integrated beta/gamma doses up to 8×107 R. Measurements, at dose rates up to 106; R/hr., indicate that both materials are quite resistant to damage, with BaF2 samples exhibiting superior recovery with time. Results of preliminary measurements are presented and discussed. Comparison of these data with previous measurements in the literature indicate that material purity correlations must be established to provide a basis for predicting radiation damage characteristics of scintillator materials. The case for further work in this area is discussed.