Gadolinium pyrosilicate single crystals for gamma ray and thermal neutron monitoring

Abstract Bulk Gd 2 Si 2 O 7 :Ce (GPS:Ce) single crystals obtained by Czochralski method demonstrate a high light output at γ-irradiation (3.8 times higher in comparison with Bi 4 Ge 3 O 12 (BGO)), energy resolution 13% (137Cs, 662 KeV), fast decay time (41.7 ns), and good thermal stability of light output (up to 425 K). This combination of characteristics makes this scintillator very attractive for medical imaging and high-temperature applications. Light output at thermal neutron monitoring is evaluated as twice higher in comparison with Gd 2 SiO 5 :Ce (GSO). The observed rather high afterglow level (0.2% after 20 ms) and moderate energy resolution (13%) certifies a room for improvement of these parameters by further optimization of crystal quality.