Optically translucent BaFCl:Sm 2+ scintillating micro-particle composites for radiation detection

A near-index-matched (Δn ≤ 0.018) scintillating composite was fabricated with phase pure BaFCl:Sm2+ and Norland Optical Adhesive 1665, and it exhibits an improved transmissivity leading to optical translucency. The mean-free-path was measured to be 249 µm at the 687 nm peak scintillation wavelength, indicating that optical translucency can be maintained to substantial composite thicknesses. With increasing thickness, the composite becomes more sensitive to higher energy irradiation yet maintains the ability to transmit scintillation photons. This versatile material is attractive for both low energy and high energy radiation detection applications.