Lu2O3:Eu, a new X-ray phosphor

Five specimens of Lu2O3:5%Eu were prepared using various synthesis techniques. One of the samples was in the form of a plate, air-sintered at 1775 °C. Radio- and photoluminescence spectra were recorded showing emission exclusively from the 5D0 level of Eu3+. The most intense radioluminescence, about 30% of that from standard CsI:Tl, was seen from the sintered ceramic sample. Excitation spectra suggest that some aggregation of Eu3+ ions take place in four of the five specimens. Some contamination of the four powdered samples with OH groups was found. Only the sintered material showing the most powerful emission was free of this problem.