Diamond-rare earth composites with embedded NaGdF4:Eu nanoparticles as robust photo- and X-ray luminescent materials for Radiation Monitoring Screens

Thin-film diamond–rare earth fluoride nanocomposites have been produced by chemical vapor deposition to be used as a source of intensive photo- and X-ray luminescence. The composites with embedded Eu-containing nanoparticles show high-intensity orange narrow-band photoluminescence near the wavelength of 612 nm. Using β-NaGdF4:Eu instead of Eu(III) tri-(2,6-pyridine dicarboxylic acid) and europium fluoride in the diamond matrix resulted in enhanced signal/noise ratio in the luminescence. The mapping of the spatial distribution of photoluminescence intensity on macro- and micro scale revealed highly uniform emission originated from the composite. The developed composite material with mechanically strong, highly thermally conducting and transparent diamond matrix opens a way to use the diamond–fluoride composites as photo- and X-ray luminescent screens (scintillators) capable to withstand high photon fluxes.