CsI nanocrystal doped with Eu2+ ions for radiation detection

Abstract This paper studies a new CsI: Eu 2+ nanocrystal was synthesized via the sol-gel method. The structural properties of CsI: Eu 2+ nanocrystal were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Optical properties were followed by absorption and emission spectroscopy. Two absorption band peaking at 300 and 370 nm and two emission band with a maximum of 420 and 500 nm were observed. The dominance of 4f 6 5d → 4f 7 radiative transitions which were observed for the Eu bands in CsI nanocrystal caused these luminescence bands. Scintillation spectra and decay curve to alpha particles of the sample were monitored and they compared with the results obtained in pure CsI nanocrystal.