Optical and scintillation properties of Er-doped La3Ga5SiO14 single crystals emitting near-infrared photons.

0.5, 1, 2, and 5% Er-doped La 3 Ga 5 SiO 14 (LGS) single crystals were synthesized by the Floating Zone method and the photoluminescence (PL) and scintillation properties were characterized. Emission peaks appeared at visible–near-infrared (NIR) regions. Their spectral features matched with those due to the 4f–4f transitions of Er3+. The PL quantum yields of 0.5, 1, 2, and 5% Er-doped samples were respectively 45.0, 73.3, 82.5, and 69.4%. The decay times due to the 2H 9/2 –4I 15/2 transitions of Er3+ were obtained when visible ranges were monitored under excitation of both visible lights and X-rays. All the prepared samples showed good linearity between the X-ray exposure dose rate and scintillation signals in NIR ranges. The best lower detection limit in prepared samples was 5 mGy/h recorded by the 2% Er-doped LGS. • Er-doped La 3 Ga 5 SiO 14 single crystals were synthesized by the Floating zone method. • Luminescence due to 4f–4f transitions of Er3+ was observed in both visible and near-infrared regions. • Quantum yields of 0.5, 1, 2, and 5% Er-doped samples were respectively 45.0, 73.7, 82.5, and 69.4%. • The best lower detection limit in prepared samples was 5 mGy/h obtained by 2% Er-doped sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]