Patent Description:
Scintillators can be used for medical imaging and for well logging in the oil and gas industry as well for the environment monitoring, security applications, and for nuclear physics analysis and applications. Scintillators include scintillation compounds that include rare earth elements, wherein the rare earth element can be a dopant or as a principal constituent within the compound. Further improvement of scintillation compounds is desired.

<CIT> discloses scintillators and their use in PET, CT and SPECT devices.

Skilled artisans appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the invention.

The following description in combination with the figures is provided to assist in understanding the teachings disclosed herein. The following discussion will focus on specific implementations and embodiments of the teachings. This focus is provided to assist in describing the teachings and should not be interpreted as a limitation on the scope or applicability of the teachings.

Before addressing details of embodiments described below, some terms are defined or clarified. Group numbers corresponding to columns within the Periodic Table of the Elements use the "New Notation" convention as seen in the <NPL>).

As used in this specification, color space is expressed in terms of L*, a*, and b* coordinates as specified by the Commission Internationale de l'éclairage ("CIE") <NUM>. The three coordinates represent the lightness of the color (L* = <NUM> yields black and L* = <NUM> indicates diffuse white; specular white may be higher), its position between red/magenta and green (a*, negative values indicate green while positive values indicate magenta) and its position between yellow and blue (b*, negative values indicate blue and positive values indicate yellow).

The letter "M," when referring to a particular element within a compound, is intended to mean a metal element. For example, M<NUM>+ is used to represent a divalent metal. M<NUM>+ is used to represent a trivalent metal, which in an embodiment, may be a rare earth element, and in another embodiment, may be a trivalent metal other than a rare earth element, such as Al, Ga, Sc, In, or the like.

The term "principal constituent," when referring to a particular element within a compound, is intended to that the element is present as part of the molecular formula for the compound, as opposed to a dopant. A dopant within a compound is typically present at a concentration no greater than <NUM>% atomic. As an example, Ce-doped LaBr<NUM> (LaBr<NUM>:Ce) includes La and Br are principal constituents, and Ce as a dopant and not a principal constituent.

The term "rare earth" or "rare earth element" is intended to mean Y, La, and the Lanthanides (Ce to Lu) in the Periodic Table of the Elements. In chemical formulas, a rare earth element can be represented by "RE. " Rare earth elements are in a trivalent state unless explicitly noted otherwise. Thus, RE (without a valance state designation) and RE<NUM>+ can be used interchangeably.

As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," "including, " "has," "having," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of features is not necessarily limited only to those features but may include other features not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

The use of "a" or "an" is employed to describe elements and components described herein. This description should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural, or vice versa, unless it is clear that it is meant otherwise.

The materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. To the extent not described herein, many details regarding specific materials and processing acts are conventional and may be found in textbooks and other sources within the scintillation and radiation detection arts.

A scintillator can include scintillation compound that includes a rare earth element. The rare earth element may be present in the scintillation compound as a principal constituent or as a dopant. In a particular scintillation compound, a particular rare earth element can be a constituent, and a different rare earth element can be a dopant. For example, Cs<NUM>LiLuCl<NUM>:Ce includes Lu as a principal constituent and Ce as a dopant. When present as a dopant, the rare earth element may present within a scintillation compound at a concentration of at least approximately <NUM> ppm atomic or at least approximately <NUM> ppm atomic in an embodiment, and in another embodiment, may be no greater than approximately <NUM>,<NUM> ppm atomic or no greater than approximately <NUM>,<NUM> ppm atomic.

The rare earth elements can be in a trivalent state. Some of the rare earth elements may be in a tetravalent state, such as Ce, Pr, and Tb, and other rare earth elements can include a divalent state, such as Nd, Sm, Eu, Dy, Tm, and Yb. Such elements may be useful as part of the scintillation mechanism for the scintillation compound. By having a significant amount of a rare earth element in a divalent or tetravalent state, a step in the scintillation process may be obviated.

Too much of the rare earth element in the divalent or tetravalent state may cause electronic charge imbalance and may potentially cause electron or hole traps or other undesired affects to occur. Visible evidence of the electronic charge imbalance may be observed as a change in the color of the crystal. A scintillation compound that may be substantially clear may become more yellow or orange upon visual inspection. In order to maintain electronic charge balance, another element with a different valance state can be present to help keep the overall charge in the scintillation compound balanced. In theory, all of a principal constituent may be replaced by rare earth element in a divalent, trivalent, or a tetravalent state and another element in a monovalent, divalent, or tetravalent state.

Although not required, such other element may have only one valance state to better allow the rare earth metal element to remain in its desired valence state. For example, The Group <NUM> elements and Zn are in a divalent state and do not have a monovalent or trivalent state. Unlike the Group <NUM> elements and Zn, other metal elements have more than one valence state, such as Cu, Ti, Fe, and many of the rare earth elements. While such other metal elements are not excluded, their presence may cause an undesired reduction-oxidation (redox) reaction.

Ce<NUM>+ + Fe<NUM>+ ↔ Ce<NUM>+ + Fe<NUM>+.

In the equation above, Ce<NUM>+ may be desired but the redox reaction may lower the concentration of Ce<NUM>+ in the scintillation compound and such lower concentration may be undesired.

Scintillation compounds as described using the concepts herein may have a high light output, lower energy resolution, lower afterglow, better proportionality, shorter decay time or any combination thereof may be achieved, as compared to a corresponding scintillation compound with rare earth element(s) only in a trivalent state and without other elements that are added to affect the electronic charge.

A metal element in a trivalent state (generally noted as M<NUM>+), which may or may not include a rare earth element in a trivalent state, can be principal constituent or dopant in a scintillation compound and be replaced by a rare earth element in a tetravalent state (RE<NUM>+) and an element in a divalent state (M<NUM>+), such as a Group <NUM> element (alkaline earth metals), Zn, or any combination thereof. Lu<NUM>Al<NUM>O<NUM>:Ce is a scintillator compound and may have some or all of Lu, Al, or Ce replaced by a combination of RE<NUM>+ and M<NUM>+. In a non-limiting example, the scintillator compound can be represented by Lu(<NUM>-x-y)RE<NUM>+xCayAl<NUM>O<NUM>. RE<NUM>+ can represent a single rare earth element or a combination of rare earth elements in the tetravalent state. In a particular example, RE<NUM>+ may be Ce<NUM>+, Pr<NUM>+, Tb<NUM>+, or a combination thereof. Ca may partly or completely replaced by another Group <NUM> element, such as Mg, Ba, or Sr, or Zn. Part of the Al may have been replaced by a combination of the RE<NUM>+ and Ca in place of or addition to Lu.

In an embodiment, values for x and y may be selected such that RE<NUM>+, M<NUM>+, or each of both may be at least approximately <NUM> ppm atomic, at least approximately <NUM> ppm atomic, at least approximately <NUM> ppm atomic, at least approximately <NUM> ppm atomic, at least approximately <NUM> ppm atomic, at least approximately <NUM> ppm atomic, at least approximately <NUM> ppm atomic, or at least approximately <NUM> ppm atomic of the scintillation compound. In a particular embodiment, RE<NUM>+, M<NUM>+, or each of both may be at least approximately <NUM> ppm atomic as the benefit of using the dopant(s) may be significant, and in another particular embodiment, RE<NUM>+, M<NUM>+, or each of both may be at least approximately <NUM> ppm atomic in particular compounds that use a higher concentration of an activator. In another embodiment, values for x and y may be selected such that the rare earth element in the tetravalent state, the element in the divalent state, or each of both may be no greater than approximately <NUM>% atomic, no greater than approximately <NUM> ppm atomic, no greater than approximately <NUM> ppm atomic, no greater than approximately <NUM> ppm atomic, no greater than approximately <NUM> ppm atomic, no greater than approximately <NUM> ppm atomic, no greater than approximately <NUM> ppm atomic, no greater than approximately <NUM> ppm atomic, or no greater than approximately <NUM> ppm atomic of the scintillation compound. In a particular embodiment, RE<NUM>+, M<NUM>+, or each of both may be no greater approximately <NUM> ppm atomic as a separate phase within the scintillation compound may form, and in another particular embodiment, RE<NUM>+, M<NUM>+, or each of both may be no greater than approximately <NUM> ppm atomic due to the segregation coefficient of a particular scintillation compound may make incorporation of higher amounts more difficult. In still another particular embodiment, RE<NUM>+, M<NUM>+, or each of both may be no greater than approximately <NUM> ppm atomic in particular compounds do not need a relatively high concentration of an activator.

RE<NUM>+ and M<NUM>+ may be added in equal atomic amounts; however, equal amounts of RE<NUM>+ and M<NUM>+ are not required. In a further embodiment, on a relative basis, a ratio of RE<NUM>+:M<NUM>+ is at least approximately <NUM>:<NUM>, at least approximately <NUM>:<NUM>, at least approximately <NUM>:<NUM>, at least approximately <NUM>:<NUM>, at least approximately <NUM>:<NUM>, at least approximately <NUM>:<NUM>, at least approximately <NUM>:<NUM>, or at least approximately <NUM>:<NUM>, or at least approximately <NUM>:<NUM>. In a still a further embodiment, on a relative basis, a ratio of RE<NUM>+:M<NUM>+ is no greater than approximately <NUM>:<NUM>, no greater than approximately <NUM>:<NUM>, no greater than approximately <NUM>:<NUM>, no greater than approximately <NUM>:<NUM>, no greater than approximately <NUM>:<NUM>, no greater than approximately <NUM>:<NUM>, no greater than approximately <NUM>:<NUM>, or at least approximately <NUM>:<NUM>, or no greater than approximately <NUM>:<NUM>. In a particular embodiment, the ratio of RE<NUM>+:M<NUM>+ may be in a range of approximately <NUM>:<NUM> to approximately <NUM>:<NUM> to maintain an acceptable charge balance within the scintillation compound. In a more particular embodiment, the ratio of RE<NUM>+:M<NUM>+ may be in a range of approximately <NUM>:<NUM> to approximately <NUM>:<NUM> to maintain to provide even better charge balance within the scintillation compound.

Further, in Gd<NUM>Al<NUM>O<NUM>:Ce, the Ce doping can be partly or completely replaced by RE<NUM>+ and M<NUM>+. When RE is Ce, the amount of Ce<NUM>+ may be expressed as a fraction of total cerium content. In an embodiment, Ce<NUM>+ is at least approximately <NUM>%, at least approximately <NUM>%, at least approximately <NUM>%, at least approximately <NUM>%, at least approximately <NUM>%, or at least approximately <NUM>% of the total cerium content (Ce<NUM>+ and Ce<NUM>+) of within the scintillation compound. In particular embodiment, an improvement in scintillation properties may be detected when Ce<NUM>+ is at least approximately <NUM>% of the total cerium content, and the improvement becomes more significant when the Ce<NUM>+ is at least approximately <NUM>% of the total cerium content. In another embodiment, Ce<NUM>+ is no greater than <NUM>%, no greater than approximately <NUM>%, no greater than approximately <NUM>%, no greater than approximately <NUM>%, no greater than approximately <NUM>%, no greater than approximately <NUM>%, no greater than approximately <NUM>%, no greater than approximately <NUM>%, no greater than approximately <NUM>%, or no greater than approximately <NUM>% of the total cerium content within the scintillation compound. In another particular embodiment, an improvement in scintillation properties may be the highest when Ce<NUM>+ is at least approximately <NUM>% of the total cerium content, and the improvement may be similarly significant when the Ce<NUM>+ is at least approximately <NUM>% of the total cerium content.

In another embodiment, a different divalent metal atom may not be further added, as such a divalent metal atom can be present as a principal constituent. For example, BaLaB<NUM>O<NUM> already has a divalent metal element, namely Ba, present in the scintillation compound. In this embodiment, RE<NUM>+ can be substituted for part of the La. For example, BaLa(<NUM>-x)RE<NUM>+xB<NUM>O<NUM> can be an exemplary compound. Thus, because a divalent is already present, additional Ba may not be required.

Clearly, the replacement of M<NUM>+ with RE<NUM>+ and M<NUM>+ is not limited to the particular scintillation compounds described above. For example, in a YAG composition may have some of the Y replaced by a combination of RE<NUM>+ and M<NUM>+ in the form of co-dopants, such as Y<NUM>Al<NUM>O<NUM>:Pr<NUM>+,Ca. Later in this specification, other scintillation compounds are described, and, with such other scintillation compounds, a particular or combination of metal elements in a trivalent state may be partly or completely replaced by a rare earth element in a tetravalent state and a metal element in a divalent state.

A rare earth element or another trivalent element can be a principal constituent or dopant in a scintillation compound and be replaced by a rare earth element in a divalent state (RE<NUM>+) and an element in a tetravalent state (M<NUM>+), such as Zr, Hf, or any combination thereof. BaAl<NUM>MgO<NUM> is a scintillation compound and may have some or all of Al replaced by a combination of RE<NUM>+ and M<NUM>+. In a non-limiting example, the scintillation compound can be represented by BaAl(<NUM>-x-y)RE<NUM>+xHfyMgO<NUM>. RE<NUM>+ can represent a single rare earth element or a combination of rare elements in the divalent state. In a particular example, RE<NUM>+ may be Nd<NUM>+, Sm<NUM>+, Eu<NUM>+, Dy<NUM>+, Tm<NUM>+, Yb<NUM>+, or a combination thereof. Hf may partly or completely replaced by Zr.

In an embodiment, values for x and y may be selected such that RE<NUM>+, M<NUM>+, or each of both may be at least approximately <NUM> ppm atomic, at least approximately <NUM> ppm atomic, at least approximately <NUM> ppm atomic, at least approximately <NUM> ppm atomic, at least approximately <NUM> ppm atomic, at least approximately <NUM> ppm atomic, or at least approximately <NUM> ppm atomic of the scintillation compound. In a particular embodiment, RE<NUM>+, M<NUM>+, or each of both may be at least approximately <NUM> ppm atomic as the benefit of using the dopant(s) may be significant, and in another particular embodiment, RE<NUM>+, M<NUM>+, or each of both may be at least approximately <NUM> ppm atomic in particular compounds that use a higher concentration of an activator. In another embodiment, values for x and y may be selected such that the rare earth element in the tetravalent state, the element in the divalent state, or each of both may be no greater than approximately <NUM>% atomic, no greater than approximately <NUM> ppm atomic, no greater than approximately <NUM> ppm atomic, no greater than approximately <NUM> ppm atomic, no greater than approximately <NUM> ppm atomic, no greater than approximately <NUM> ppm atomic, no greater than approximately <NUM> ppm atomic, no greater than approximately <NUM> ppm atomic, or no greater than approximately <NUM> ppm atomic of the scintillation compound. In a particular embodiment, RE<NUM>+, M<NUM>+, or each of both may be no greater approximately <NUM> ppm atomic as a separate phase within the scintillation compound may form, and in another particular embodiment, RE<NUM>+, M<NUM>+, or each of both may be no greater than approximately <NUM> ppm atomic due to the segregation coefficient of a particular scintillation compound may make incorporation of higher amounts more difficult. In still another particular embodiment, RE<NUM>+, M<NUM>+, or each of both may be no greater than approximately <NUM> ppm atomic in particular compounds do not need a relatively high concentration of an activator.

RE<NUM>+ and M<NUM>+ may be added in equal atomic amounts; however, equal amounts of RE<NUM>+ and M<NUM>+ are not required. In a further embodiment, on a relative basis, a ratio of RE<NUM>+:M<NUM>+ is at least approximately <NUM>:<NUM>, at least approximately <NUM>:<NUM>, at least approximately <NUM>:<NUM>, at least approximately <NUM>:<NUM>, at least approximately <NUM>:<NUM>, at least approximately <NUM>:<NUM>, at least approximately <NUM>:<NUM>, or at least approximately <NUM>:<NUM>, or at least approximately <NUM>:<NUM>. In a still a further embodiment, on a relative basis, a ratio of RE<NUM>+:M<NUM>+ is no greater than approximately <NUM>:<NUM>, no greater than approximately <NUM>:<NUM>, no greater than approximately <NUM>:<NUM>, no greater than approximately <NUM>:<NUM>, no greater than approximately <NUM>:<NUM>, no greater than approximately <NUM>:<NUM>, no greater than approximately <NUM>:<NUM>, or at least approximately <NUM>:<NUM>, or no greater than approximately <NUM>:<NUM>. In a particular embodiment, the ratio of RE<NUM>+:M<NUM>+ may be in a range of approximately <NUM>:<NUM> to approximately <NUM>:<NUM> to maintain an acceptable charge balance within the scintillation compound. In a more particular embodiment, the ratio of RE <NUM>+:M<NUM>+ may be in a range of approximately <NUM>:<NUM> to approximately <NUM>:<NUM> to maintain to provide even better charge balance within the scintillation compound.

Further, BaAl<NUM>MgO<NUM>:Eu, the Eu doping can be partly or completely replaced by RE<NUM>+ and M<NUM>+. When RE<NUM>+ is Eu<NUM>+, the amount of Eu<NUM>+ may be expressed as a fraction of total europium content. In an embodiment, Eu<NUM>+ is at least approximately <NUM>%, at least approximately <NUM>%, at least approximately <NUM>%, at least approximately <NUM>%, at least approximately <NUM>%, or at least approximately <NUM>% of the total europium content (Eu<NUM>+ and Eu<NUM>+)of within the scintillation compound. In particular embodiment, an improvement in scintillation properties may be detected when Eu<NUM>+ is at least approximately <NUM>% of the total europium, content, and the improvement becomes more significant when the RE<NUM>+ is at least approximately <NUM>% of the total europium content. In another embodiment, Eu<NUM>+ is no greater than <NUM>%, no greater than approximately <NUM>%, no greater than approximately <NUM>%, no greater than approximately <NUM>%, no greater than approximately <NUM>%, no greater than approximately <NUM>%, no greater than approximately <NUM>%, no greater than approximately <NUM>%, no greater than approximately <NUM>%, or no greater than approximately <NUM>% of the total europium content within the scintillation compound. In another particular embodiment, an improvement in scintillation properties may be the highest when Eu<NUM>+ is at least approximately <NUM>% of the total europium content, and the improvement may be similarly significant when the Eu<NUM>+ is at least approximately <NUM>% of the total europium content.

In another embodiment, a different tetravalent metal atom may not be further added, as such a tetravalent metal atom can be present as a principal constituent. For example, CaHfO<NUM> already has a tetravalent metal element, namely Hf, present in the scintillation compound. In this embodiment, RE<NUM>+ can be substituted for part of the Ca. For example, Ca(<NUM>-x)RE<NUM>+xHfO<NUM> can be an exemplary compound. Thus, because a tetravalent is already present, additional Hf may not be required.

Clearly, the replacement of M<NUM>+ with RE<NUM>+ and M<NUM>+ is not limited to the particular scintillation compounds described above. For example, GdCl<NUM> may have some of the Gd replaced by a combination of RE<NUM>+ and M<NUM>+ in the form of co-dopants, such as GdCl<NUM>:Eu<NUM>+,Zr. Later in this specification, other scintillation compounds are described, and, with such other scintillation compounds, a particular or combination of metal elements in a trivalent state may be partly or completely replaced by a rare earth element in a divalent state and a metal element in a tetravalent state.

A Group <NUM> element is in a divalent state and can be principal constituents in a scintillation compound. The Group <NUM> element may be replaced in part with a combination of RE<NUM>+ and M<NUM>+, such as a Group <NUM> element (alkali metal), Ag, or any combination thereof. BaFI is an example of a scintillator compound. Some of the Ba can be replaced by RE<NUM>+ and M<NUM>+. In a non-limiting example, the scintillator compound can be represented by Ba(<NUM>-x-y)RE<NUM>+xKyFI. RE<NUM>+ can represent a single rare earth element or a combination of rare earth elements in a trivalent state. K may be partly or completely replaced by another Group <NUM> element or Ag.

Further, in BaFI:Eu<NUM>+, the Eu<NUM>+ doping can be partly or completely replaced by RE<NUM>+ and M<NUM>+. When RE<NUM>+ is Eu<NUM>+, the amount of Eu<NUM>+ may be expressed as a fraction of total europium content. In an embodiment, Eu<NUM>+ is at least approximately <NUM>%, at least approximately <NUM>%, at least approximately <NUM>%, at least approximately <NUM>%, at least approximately <NUM>%, or at least approximately <NUM>% of the total europium content of within the scintillation compound. In particular embodiment, an improvement in scintillation properties may be detected when Eu<NUM>+ is at least approximately <NUM>% of the total europium content, and the improvement becomes more significant when the Eu<NUM>+ is at least approximately <NUM>% of the total europium content. In another embodiment, Eu<NUM>+ is no greater than <NUM>%, no greater than approximately <NUM>%, no greater than approximately <NUM>%, no greater than approximately <NUM>%, no greater than approximately <NUM>%, no greater than approximately <NUM>%, no greater than approximately <NUM>%, no greater than approximately <NUM>%, no greater than approximately <NUM>%, or no greater than approximately <NUM>% of the total europium content within the scintillation compound. In another particular embodiment, an improvement in scintillation properties may be the highest when Eu<NUM>+ is at least approximately <NUM>% of the total europium content, and the improvement may be similarly significant when the Eu<NUM>+ is at least approximately <NUM>% of the total europium content.

In another embodiment, a different monovalent metal atom may not be further added, as such a monovalent metal atom can be present as a principal constituent. For example, BaKPO<NUM> already has a monovalent metal element, namely K, present in the scintillation compound. In this embodiment, RE<NUM>+ can be substituted for part of the Ba. For example, Ba(<NUM>-x)RE<NUM>+xKPO<NUM> can be an exemplary compound. Thus, because a monovalent is already present, additional K may not be required.

Clearly, the replacement of M<NUM>+ with RE<NUM>+ and M<NUM>+ is not limited to the particular scintillation compounds described above. For example, NaSrPO<NUM> may have some of the Sr replaced by a combination of RE<NUM>+ and M<NUM>+ in the form of co-dopants, such as NaSrPO<NUM>:Eu<NUM>+,K. Later in this specification, other scintillation compounds are described, and, with such other scintillation compounds, a particular or combination of metal elements in a divalent state may be partly or completely replaced by a rare earth element in a trivalent state and a metal element in a monovalent state.

The RE<NUM>+, RE<NUM>+ and RE<NUM>+ content can be measured using X-ray Absorption Near-Edge Spectroscopy (XANES). This measurement can be performed with synchrotron equipment. An X-ray beam goes through the sample and through one or more references containing only RE<NUM>+, RE<NUM>+ or RE<NUM>+. The obtained XANES spectra of the sample can be easily fitted with a linear combination of that of the chosen references to confirm the presence of RE<NUM>+, RE<NUM>+, RE<NUM>+, or any combination thereof and to measure the relative content of RE<NUM>+, RE<NUM>+ and RE<NUM>+. For cerium, CeF<NUM> or Ce(NO<NUM>)<NUM> may be used as a Ce<NUM>+ reference, and CeO<NUM> may be used as a Ce<NUM>+ reference. Another way to determine the presence of Ce<NUM>+ can include measuring the absorbance (also called the optical density) of a crystal and determining a ratio of the absorbance of the crystal at <NUM> to the absorbance of the crystal at <NUM>, referenced A<NUM>/A<NUM>.

The concepts as described herein are applicable to a many different scintillation compounds. Many different formulas for scintillation compounds are provided herein. Particular notations are used particular types of elements. For example, RE can be used to represent a single rare earth element or a combination of rare earth elements, and Ln can be used to represent a single rare earth element or a combination of rare earth elements that is different from RE. M can be used to represent a single metal element or a combination of metal elements. In any of the formulas below, M may include one or more rare earth elements; alternatively, in any of the formulas below, M may not include any rare earth element. In formulas where a valance state is provided, a corresponding element may only have that valence state (e.g., M<NUM>+ may be an alkaline earth element, M<NUM>+ may be Hf or Zr).

In an embodiment, the scintillation compound can be a metal halide. The metal halide can be a Group <NUM> halide or a rare earth halide. The scintillation compound can be a mixed metal halide, wherein the mixed metal halide includes a combination of metals as principal constituents. In an embodiment, the mixed metal halide can include a Group <NUM>-rare earth metal halide, a Group <NUM>-rare earth metal halide. In another example, a mixed halogen metal halide can include a Group <NUM>-X1-X2 metal halide, wherein X1 and X2 are different halogen (for example, BaBrI).

Below are non-limiting, exemplary formulas for families of compounds.

M1<NUM>+(<NUM>-x-y)RE<NUM>+xM2<NUM>+yX<NUM>     (Formula <NUM>).

RE1<NUM>+(<NUM>-a-b)RE2<NUM>+aM<NUM>+bX<NUM>     (Formula <NUM>).

M<NUM>+X:RE1<NUM>+(z-a-b)RE2<NUM>+a M2<NUM>+b     (Formula <NUM>).

M<NUM>+X:RE1<NUM>+(z-a-b)RE2<NUM>+a M2<NUM>+<NUM>     (Formula <NUM>).

M1<NUM>+(<NUM>-x-y)RE1<NUM>+xM2<NUM>+yRE2<NUM>+(<NUM>-a-b)RE3<NUM>+aM3<NUM>+bX<NUM>     (Formula <NUM>).

M1<NUM>+<NUM>RE1<NUM>+(<NUM>-a-b)RE2<NUM>+aM2<NUM>+bX<NUM>     (Formula <NUM>).

M1<NUM>+M2<NUM>+(<NUM>-x-y)RE1<NUM>+xM3<NUM>+yRE2<NUM>+(<NUM>-a-b)RE3<NUM>+aM4<NUM>+bX<NUM>     (Formula <NUM>).

M1<NUM>+(<NUM>-2x-2y)RE1<NUM>+2xM2<NUM>+2yRE2<NUM>+(<NUM>-a-b)RE3<NUM>+aM3<NUM>+bX<NUM>     (Formula <NUM>).

M1<NUM>+(<NUM>-3x-3y)RE1<NUM>+3xM2<NUM>+3yRE2<NUM>+(<NUM>-2a-2b)RE3<NUM>+2aM3<NUM>+2bX<NUM>     (Formula <NUM>).

In the formulas above, Formulas <NUM> and <NUM> are particular well suited for use as scintillation compounds.

Exemplary compounds that can be modified in accordance with the above-referenced formulas include Ba<NUM>GdCl<NUM>, Ba<NUM>YCl<NUM>, BaBr<NUM>, BaBrI, BaCl<NUM>, BaF<NUM>, BaGdCl<NUM>, BaI<NUM>, BaY<NUM>F<NUM>, BiF<NUM>, CaF<NUM>, CaI<NUM>, Cs<NUM>LiCeCl<NUM>, Cs<NUM>LiLuCl<NUM>, Cs<NUM>LiYBr<NUM>, Cs<NUM>LiYCl<NUM>, Cs<NUM>NaLaBr<NUM>, Cs<NUM>NaLuBr<NUM>, Cs<NUM>NaYBr<NUM>, Cs<NUM>CeCl<NUM>, Cs<NUM>Gd<NUM>I<NUM>, Cs<NUM>LaBr<NUM>, Cs<NUM>Lu<NUM>I<NUM>, Cs<NUM>LuI<NUM>, CsBa<NUM>I<NUM>, CsCe<NUM>Cl<NUM>, CsGd<NUM>F<NUM>, CsI, CsY<NUM>F<NUM>, GdBr<NUM>, GdCl<NUM>, K<NUM>CeBr<NUM>, K<NUM>LaCl<NUM>, K<NUM>YF<NUM>, KLu<NUM>F<NUM>, KLuF<NUM>, KYF<NUM>, La(<NUM>-x)CexBr<NUM>, LaCeF<NUM>, La(<NUM>-x)CexCl<NUM>, LaF<NUM>, LaI<NUM>, Li<NUM>YCl<NUM>, LiI, Lu(<NUM>-x)GdxI<NUM>, Lu(<NUM>-x)YxI<NUM>, LuBr<NUM>, LuCl<NUM>, LuI<NUM>, PbCl<NUM>, PrBr<NUM>, PrF<NUM>, Rb<NUM>CeBr<NUM>, LiCaAlF<NUM>, Rb<NUM>LiYBr<NUM>, RbGd<NUM>Br<NUM>, SrBr<NUM>, SrF<NUM>, SrI<NUM>, YCl<NUM>, or the like, wherein x can range from <NUM> to <NUM>. Each of the foregoing compounds may include a rare earth dopant that is not provided with the chemical formula.

In still another embodiment, the scintillation compound can be a metal oxide. The scintillation compound can be a single metal oxide, such as a trivalent metal oxide, or a mixed metal oxide, wherein the metal oxide includes a combination of different metals as principal constituents. For example, the mixed metal oxide can be a divalent metal-tetravalent metal oxide, a rare earth aluminate, or a rare earth-divalent metal aluminum garnet.

M1<NUM>+(<NUM>-2x-2y)RE<NUM>+2xM2<NUM>+2yO<NUM>     (Formula <NUM>).

M1<NUM>+(<NUM>-8x-8y)RE<NUM>+8xM2<NUM>+8yO<NUM>     (Formula <NUM>).

M1<NUM>+(<NUM>-x-y)RE<NUM>+xM2<NUM>+yM3<NUM>+O<NUM>     (Formula <NUM>).

M1<NUM>+M2<NUM>+(<NUM>-12x-12y)RE<NUM>+12aM3<NUM>+12bO<NUM>     (Formula <NUM>).

M1<NUM>+(<NUM>-2x-2y)RE1<NUM>+xM2<NUM>+yM3<NUM>+(<NUM>-10a-10b)RE2<NUM>+10aM4<NUM>+10bO<NUM>     (Formula <NUM>).

Exemplary compounds that can be modified in accordance with the above-referenced formulas include BaAl<NUM>MgO<NUM>, BaAl<NUM>O<NUM>, BaHfO<NUM>, CaHfO<NUM>, Gd<NUM>O<NUM>, Gd(<NUM>-3x)Y3xGa(<NUM>-5y)Al5yO<NUM>, Gd<NUM>Sc<NUM>Al<NUM>O<NUM>, Gd<NUM>Y<NUM>Al<NUM>O<NUM>, GdAlO<NUM>, La<NUM>O<NUM>, LaAlO<NUM>, Lu<NUM>O<NUM>, Lu<NUM>Al<NUM>O<NUM>, Lu<NUM>Al<NUM>O<NUM>, LuAlO<NUM>, SrHfO<NUM>, Y<NUM>O<NUM>, YAlO<NUM>, or the like, wherein each of x and y can range from <NUM> to <NUM>. Each of the foregoing compounds may include a rare earth dopant that is not provided with the chemical formula.

In yet another embodiment, the scintillation compound can be a metal-boron-oxygen compound. The metal-boron-oxygen compound can be a single metal borate or oxyborate or a mixed metal borate or oxyborate, wherein the metal borate or oxyborate includes a combination of metals as principal constituents. In an embodiment, the metal-boron-oxygen compound can be a Group <NUM>-rare earth metal borate, Group <NUM> metal borate, a Group <NUM>-rare earth metal borate, a Group <NUM>-rare earth metal oxyborate, or a Group <NUM> metal borooxyhalide.

M1<NUM>+(<NUM>-3x-3y)RE<NUM>+3xM2<NUM>+3y(BO<NUM>)<NUM>     (Formula <NUM>).

M1<NUM>+(<NUM>-x-y)RE<NUM>+xM2<NUM>+y(BO<NUM>)<NUM>     (Formula <NUM>).

M1<NUM>+(<NUM>-x-y)RE<NUM>+xM2<NUM>+yB<NUM>O<NUM>     (Formula <NUM>).

M1<NUM>+(<NUM>-4x4-y)RE<NUM>+4xM2<NUM>+4y(BO<NUM>)<NUM>     (Formula <NUM>).

M1<NUM>+(<NUM>-2x-2y)RE<NUM>+2xM2<NUM>+2yB<NUM>O<NUM>X     (Formula <NUM>).

M1<NUM>+M2<NUM>+(<NUM>-x-y)RE<NUM>+xM3<NUM>+yB<NUM>O<NUM>     (Formula <NUM>).

M1<NUM>+<NUM>M2<NUM>+(<NUM>-x-y)RE<NUM>+xM3<NUM>+y(BO<NUM>)<NUM>     (Formula <NUM>).

M1<NUM>+(<NUM>-x-y)RE1<NUM>+xM2<NUM>+yM3<NUM>+(<NUM>-a-b)RE2<NUM>+aM4<NUM>+bBO<NUM>     (Formula <NUM>).

M1<NUM>+(<NUM>-x-y)RE1<NUM>+xM2<NUM>+yM3<NUM>+(<NUM>-a-b)RE2<NUM>+aM4<NUM>+<NUM>BO<NUM>     (Formula <NUM>).

M1<NUM>+(<NUM>-x-y)RE1<NUM>+xM2<NUM>+yM3<NUM>+(<NUM>-a-b)RE2<NUM>+aM4<NUM>+bB<NUM>O<NUM>     (Formula <NUM>).

M1<NUM>+(<NUM>-x-y)RE1<NUM>+yM3<NUM>+(<NUM>-a-b)RE2<NUM>+aM4<NUM>+bB<NUM>O<NUM>     (Formula <NUM>).

M1<NUM>+(<NUM>-3x-3y)RE1<NUM>+3xM2<NUM>+3yM3<NUM>+(<NUM>-a-b)RE2<NUM>+aM4<NUM>+b(BO<NUM>)<NUM>     (Formula <NUM>).

M1<NUM>+(<NUM>-3x-3y)RE1<NUM>+3xM2<NUM>+3yM3<NUM>+(<NUM>-a-b)RE2<NUM>+aM4<NUM>+<NUM>(BO<NUM>)<NUM>     (Formula <NUM>).

M1<NUM>+(<NUM>-4x-4y)RE1<NUM>+4xM2<NUM>+4yM3<NUM>+(<NUM>-a-b)RE2<NUM>+aM4<NUM>+<NUM>(BO<NUM>)<NUM>     (Formula <NUM>).

M1<NUM>+(<NUM>-4x-4y)RE1<NUM>+4xM2<NUM>+4yM3<NUM>+(<NUM>-a-b)RE2<NUM>+aM4<NUM>+b(BO<NUM>)<NUM>     (Formula <NUM>).

In the formulas above, Formulas <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are particular well suited for use as scintillation compounds.

Exemplary compounds that can be modified in accordance with the above-referenced formulas include Ba<NUM>B<NUM>O<NUM>Cl, Ba<NUM>Ca(BO<NUM>)<NUM>, Ba<NUM>Gd(BO3)<NUM> Ca<NUM>YO(BO<NUM>)<NUM>, CaLaB<NUM>O<NUM>, CaYBO<NUM>, GdB<NUM>O<NUM>, GdBO<NUM>, LaB<NUM>O<NUM>, LaBO<NUM>, LaMgB<NUM>O<NUM>, Li<NUM>Gd(BO<NUM>)<NUM>, Li<NUM>Y(BO<NUM>)<NUM>, LuBO<NUM>, ScBO<NUM>, YAl<NUM>B<NUM>O<NUM>, YBO<NUM>, or the like. Each of the foregoing compounds may include a rare earth dopant that is not provided with the chemical formula.

In a further embodiment, the scintillation compound can be a metal-phosphorus-oxygen compound. The metal-phosphorus-oxygen compound can be a metal phosphite or a metal phosphate. The metal metal-phosphorus-oxygen can be a single metal phosphite or phosphate or a mixed metal phosphite or phosphate, wherein the metal phosphite or phosphate includes a combination of metals as principal constituents. In an embodiment, the metal-phosphorous compound can include as a monovalent metal-rare earth metal phosphite, a Group <NUM>-rare earth metal phosphite, a Group <NUM> metal phosphate, or a Group <NUM> metal phosphate halide.

M1<NUM>+(<NUM>-x-y)RE<NUM>+xM2<NUM>+yP<NUM>O<NUM>     (Formula <NUM>).

M1<NUM>+(<NUM>-2x-2y)RE<NUM>+2xM2<NUM>+2yP<NUM>O<NUM>     (Formula <NUM>).

M1<NUM>+(<NUM>-3x-3y)RE<NUM>+3xM2<NUM>+3yP<NUM>O<NUM>     (Formula <NUM>).

M1<NUM>+(<NUM>-3x-3y)RE<NUM>+3xM2<NUM>+3y(PO<NUM>)<NUM>     (Formula <NUM>).

M1<NUM>+(<NUM>-5x-5y)RE<NUM>+5xM2<NUM>+5y(PO<NUM>)<NUM>X     (Formula <NUM>).

M1<NUM>+(<NUM>-x-y)RE<NUM>+xM2<NUM>+yBPO<NUM>     (Formula <NUM>).

M1<NUM>+(<NUM>-3x-3y)RE<NUM>+3xM2<NUM>+3yB(PO<NUM>)<NUM>     (Formula <NUM>).

M1<NUM>+M2<NUM>+(<NUM>-x-y)RE<NUM>+xM3<NUM>+yPO<NUM>     (Formula <NUM>).

RE1<NUM>+(<NUM>-x-y)RE2<NUM>+xM<NUM>+yPO<NUM>     (Formula <NUM>).

RE1<NUM>+(<NUM>-x-y)RE2<NUM>+xM<NUM>+yP<NUM>O<NUM>     (Formula <NUM>).

RE1<NUM>+(<NUM>-x-y) RE2<NUM>+xM<NUM>+yP<NUM>O<NUM>     (Formula <NUM>).

M1<NUM>+RE1<NUM>+(<NUM>-x-y) RE2<NUM>+xM2<NUM>+yP<NUM>O<NUM>     (Formula <NUM>).

M1<NUM>+RE1<NUM>+(<NUM>-x-y) RE2<NUM>+xM2<NUM>+y(PO<NUM>)<NUM>     (Formula <NUM>).

M1<NUM>+<NUM>RE1<NUM>+(<NUM>-x-y) RE2<NUM>+xM2<NUM>+y(PO<NUM>)<NUM>     (Formula <NUM>).

Exemplary compounds that can be modified in accordance with the above-referenced formulas include AgGd(PO<NUM>)<NUM>, Ba<NUM>P<NUM>O<NUM>, Ba<NUM>(PO<NUM>)<NUM>, Ba<NUM>B(PO<NUM>)<NUM>, Ba<NUM>P<NUM>O<NUM>, Ba<NUM>(PO<NUM>)<NUM>F, BaKPO<NUM>, BaP<NUM>O<NUM>, Ca<NUM>(PO<NUM>)<NUM>F, CaBPO<NUM>, CeP<NUM>O<NUM>, CsGd(PO<NUM>)<NUM>, CsLuP<NUM>O<NUM>, CsYP<NUM>O<NUM>, K<NUM>Lu(PO<NUM>)<NUM>, KGd(PO<NUM>)<NUM>, LuP<NUM>O<NUM>, KYP<NUM>O<NUM>, LiCaPO<NUM>, LiGd(PO<NUM>)<NUM>, LuPO<NUM>, NaBaPO<NUM>, NaGd(PO<NUM>)<NUM>, NaLuP<NUM>O<NUM>, RbLuP<NUM>O<NUM>, RbYP<NUM>O<NUM>, Sr<NUM>(PO<NUM>)<NUM>F, or the like. Each of the foregoing compounds may include a rare earth dopant that is not provided with the chemical formula.

In still a further embodiment, the scintillation compound can be a metal-oxygen-sulfur compound. The metal metal-oxygen-sulfur compound can be a single metal oxysulfide or a mixed metal oxysulfide, wherein the metal oxysulfide includes a combination of metals as principal constituents. In an embodiment, the metal-oxygen-sulfur compound can be a metal oxysulfide, such as a rare earth metal oxysulfide.

RE1<NUM>+(<NUM>-2x-2y) RE2<NUM>+2xM<NUM>+2yO<NUM>S     (Formula <NUM>).

Exemplary compounds that can be modified in accordance with the above-referenced formulas include Gd<NUM>O<NUM>S, La<NUM>O<NUM>S, or the like. Each of the foregoing compounds may include a rare earth dopant that is not provided with the chemical formula.

In yet a further embodiment, the scintillation compound can be a metal-oxygen-halogen compound. The metal metal-oxygen-halogen compound can be a single metal oxysulfide or a mixed metal oxysulfide, wherein the metal oxysulfide includes a combination of metals as principal constituents. In an embodiment, the metal-oxygen-halogen compound can be a metal oxyhalide, such as a rare earth metal oxyhalide.

RE1<NUM>+(<NUM>-x-y) RE2<NUM>+xM<NUM>+yOX     (Formula <NUM>).

RE1<NUM>+(<NUM>-x-y) RE<NUM><NUM>+xM<NUM>+yOX     (Formula <NUM>).

Exemplary compounds that can be modified in accordance with the above-referenced formulas include GdOBr, GdOCl, GdOF, GdOI, LaOBr, LaOCl, LaOF, LaOI, LuOBr, LuOCl, LuOF, LuOI, YOBr, YOCl, YOF, or the like. Each of the foregoing compounds may include a rare earth dopant that is not provided with the chemical formula.

Many scintillation compounds are disclosed herein and are to illustrate, and not limit, scintillation compounds that can be used. After reading this specification, skilled artisans will appreciate that other scintillation compounds may be used, wherein such other scintillation compounds include a rare earth element as a principal constituent or as a dopant.

In the formulas above, each element that is designated by a valance state may be single element or a combination of elements having the same valance state. For example, M<NUM>+<NUM> in a formula may be any one of the Group <NUM> elements (for example, Li<NUM>, Na<NUM>, K<NUM>, Rb<NUM>, or Cs<NUM>), Ag, or could be a combination of such elements (for example, Cs<NUM>Li, Cs<NUM>Na, Rb<NUM>Li, or the like). M<NUM>+<NUM> in a formula may be any one of the Group <NUM> elements (for example, Be<NUM>, Mg<NUM>, Ca<NUM>, Sr<NUM>, or Ba<NUM>), Zn, or could be any combination of such elements (for example, CaMg, CaSr, SrBa, or the like). A metal in a trivalent state may be a Group <NUM> element, a rare earth element in the trivalent state, or a combination thereof. For example, a scintillator compound can include or a rare earth aluminum garnet, and M<NUM>+ may be used for both the rare earth element and Al. A metal in a tetravalent state may be Zr, Hf, or a combination thereof. Similar to the metal elements, X<NUM> in a formula may represent a single halogen (for example, F<NUM>, Cl<NUM>, Br<NUM>, or I<NUM>) or a combination of halogens (for example, ClBr, BrI, or the like). Thus, except for dopant(s), if any, the scintillation compound can be a substantially single metal compound, a mixed metal compound, or a mixed halogen compound.

The scintillation compound can be in the form of a single crystal or as a polycrystalline material. The scintillation compound in the form of a single crystal may be formed using a fusion zone technique, a Czochralski, a Bridgman, or an edge feed growth (EFG) technique. With the fusion zone technique, a solid material can be processed such that a crystal seed is in contact with one end of the solid, and a heat source causes a local region (portion of the solid) to become molten near the crystal. The temperature of the ambient near the molten material be at a temperature of at least approximately <NUM> or least <NUM>, and may be no greater than approximately <NUM>, or no greater than approximately <NUM>.

As the heat source moves away from the crystal, the molten portion becomes monocrystalline, and a new local region farther from the seed crystal becomes molten. The process is continued until the rest of the solid has become crystallized. The solid can be oriented in a vertical or horizontal direction during the process. The particular crystal growth methods as melting zone and floating zone are belonging to general notation known as fusion zone technique. The fusion zone technique may be able to incorporate a higher level of dopant than the Czochralski or Bridgman growth techniques, as volatilization or segregation of species may limit the ability of how much dopant will be in the crystal. The scintillation compound can be in the form of a polycrystalline material. Such materials can be formed using calcining, pressing, sintering, or any combination thereof. In an embodiment, a polycrystalline powder (obtained by hydrothermal method or by precipitation in alkaline solution or by vapor phase), the powder possibly being compacted with or without the use of a binder or thermally densified or assembled by a sol-gel method. In a further embodiment, the compound can be a monocrystalline or polycrystalline fiber (obtained by micro-pulling down or by EFG), or thin film (obtained by CVD), or a polycrystalline glass-ceramic. The scintillating compound may be incorporated in a host material that may be transparent, such as a glass or a plastic or a liquid or a crystal. The host material may be used to excite indirectly the scintillating compound.

Depending on the composition of the scintillation compound, the scintillation compound may be exposed to a reducing ambient or an oxidizing ambient during formation or during a post-formation anneal. When the scintillation compound includes a rare earth element that is present in a divalent state and a trivalent state, such a compound may be formed using a reducing ambient. In an embodiment, a scintillator compound may include Eu may be in divalent state, Eu<NUM>+, and a trivalent state, Eu<NUM>+. When a divalent rare earth element is used, a tetravalent element, such as Zr or Hf, may also be used. Because Zr and Hf do not have or are not readily reduced to a trivalent state, the likelihood of reducing Zr or Hf in the reducing ambient is substantially zero when forming the scintillation compound having a rare earth metal in the divalent state.

The reducing ambient may include a reducing species, an inert gas, or a combination thereof. The reducing species can include H<NUM>, N<NUM>H<NUM>, CH<NUM>, and another suitable reducing species or the like. If CH<NUM> is used as a reducing species, O<NUM> may be added so that CO would be formed at the formation temperature. In an embodiment, the reducing ambient includes at least approximately <NUM> vol%, at least approximately <NUM> vol%, at least approximately <NUM> vol% of the reducing species, and in another embodiment, the reducing ambient includes no greater than <NUM> vol%, no greater than approximately <NUM> vol%, no greater than approximately <NUM> vol%, no greater than approximately <NUM> vol%, or no greater than approximately <NUM> vol% of the reducing species. In terms of absolute pressure, in an embodiment, the reducing ambient comprises at least approximately <NUM> kPa, at least approximately <NUM> kPa, at least approximately <NUM> kPa of the reducing species, and in another embodiment, the reducing ambient includes no greater than <NUM> kPa, no greater than approximately <NUM> kPa, no greater than approximately <NUM> kPa, no greater than approximately <NUM> kPa, or no greater than approximately <NUM> kPa of the reducing species.

The inert gas can include a noble gas, such as He, Ne, Ar, another noble gas, or any combination thereof. In an embodiment, the reducing ambient includes at least approximately <NUM> vol%, at least approximately <NUM> vol%, at least approximately <NUM> vol%, at least approximately <NUM> vol%, or at least approximately <NUM> vol% of the inert gas, and in another embodiment, the reducing ambient includes no greater than <NUM> vol%, no greater than approximately <NUM> vol%, no greater than approximately <NUM> vol%, no greater than approximately <NUM> vol%, or no greater than approximately <NUM> vol% of the inert gas. The reducing ambient may only include an inert gas, may include substantially no oxygen, or a combination thereof. In a particular embodiment, the inert gas can include at least approximately <NUM>% Ar, and in another particular embodiment, the reducing ambient includes a total reducing species concentration no greater than approximately <NUM> vol% and a remainder of the reducing ambient comprises Ar. The reducing ambient may include O<NUM> in a range of approximately <NUM> vol% to approximately <NUM>% vol%. Such a reducing ambient may have O<NUM> present to reduce the likelihood of forming defects in the scintillation compound, but not so high as to further oxidize an element that is to be reduced.

The oxidizing ambient can include O<NUM>, O<NUM>, NO, N<NUM>O, CO<NUM>, or any combination thereof. In an embodiment, the oxidizing ambient includes at least approximately <NUM> vol%, at least approximately <NUM> vol%, at least approximately <NUM> vol%, at least approximately <NUM> vol%, or at least approximately <NUM> vol% of an oxidizing species, and in another embodiment, the oxidizing ambient includes no greater than <NUM> vol%, no greater than approximately <NUM> vol%, no greater than approximately <NUM> vol%, no greater than approximately <NUM> vol%, no greater than approximately <NUM> vol%, or no greater than approximately <NUM> vol% of an oxidizing species. In terms of absolute pressure, in an embodiment, the oxidizing ambient comprises at least approximately <NUM> kPa, at least approximately <NUM> kPa, at least approximately <NUM> kPa, at least approximately <NUM> kPa, or at least approximately <NUM> kPa of an oxidizing species, and in another embodiment, the oxidizing ambient includes no greater than <NUM> kPa, no greater than approximately <NUM> kPa, no greater than approximately <NUM> kPa, no greater than approximately <NUM> kPa, or no greater than approximately <NUM> kPa of an oxidizing species. In a particular embodiment, the oxidation conditions can be achieved by electrical discharge in the material, and in another particular embodiment, annealing may be performed using air alone.

If needed or desired, an anneal may be performed after forming the scintillation compound. The anneal may be performed using any of the ambients previously described. The temperature for the anneal may be at least approximately <NUM> or at least approximately <NUM>, and may be at no greater than approximately <NUM> or no greater than approximately <NUM>.

The scintillation compound can be used to form a scintillator or other scintillation device useful in many apparatuses. <FIG> illustrates an embodiment of an apparatus <NUM> that includes a scintillator <NUM>, a light guide <NUM>, a photosensor <NUM>, and control unit <NUM>. The scintillator <NUM> can include a scintillation compound as previously described. The light guide <NUM> is substantially transparent to scintillating light emitted by the scintillator <NUM>. The photosensor <NUM> can generate electrons in response to receiving scintillating light from the scintillator <NUM>. The photosensor <NUM> can be a photomultiplier, a photodiode, an avalanche diode, or the like. The scintillator <NUM>, the light guide <NUM>, and the photosensor <NUM> are optically coupled together. Although the scintillator <NUM>, the light guide <NUM>, and the photosensor <NUM> are illustrated as being spaced apart, the light guide <NUM> may directly contact the scintillator <NUM> or the photosensor <NUM>. In another embodiment, a coupling material, such as a substantially clear silicone gel may be used to couple the scintillator <NUM>, the light guide <NUM>, and the photosensor <NUM> together. The scintillator <NUM>, the light guide <NUM>, and the photosensor <NUM> may be located inside one or more housings so that ambient light or other undesired radiation does not reach the photosensor <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> is electrically coupled to the photosensor <NUM>. During normal operation, radiation can be captured by the scintillator <NUM>, and the scintillator <NUM> emits scintillating light in response to receiving the targeted radiation. The scintillating light is received by the photosensor <NUM> that generates an electronic signal that is transmitted to the control unit <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> includes hardware, firmware, or software that is configured so that the control unit <NUM> can generate information regarding the targeted radiation, such as the type of radiation (x-rays, gamma-rays, beta particles, and the like), intensity of the radiation, location of where the radiation was captured or where the radiation originated, or any combination thereof.

The apparatus can be a radiation detection apparatus, such as a medical imaging apparatus, a well logging apparatus, a security inspection apparatus, or the like. In a particular embodiment, the radiation detection system can be used for gamma ray analysis, such as a Single Positron Emission Computer Tomography (SPECT) or Positron Emission Tomography (PET) analysis. In another embodiment, the scintillation compound may be used for other applications outside of radiation detection. For example, the apparatus can include a luminescence emitter, especially monochromatic, for UV spectra, visible and IR, as for a wavelength conversion system, for example a laser device. In such a device, a control unit can be coupled to the scintillator <NUM>, and the light guide <NUM> and photosensor <NUM> can be replaced by a lens or another suitable optical feature. Yet another apparatus that can use the scintillation compound can include an optical data storage device.

Scintillation compounds as described in accordance with the concepts described herein have unusually good light output, energy resolution, linearity, decay time, and afterglow properties. Linearity refers to how well a scintillation crystal approaches perfect linear proportionality between radiation energy and light output. The linearity can be measured as a departure from perfect linearity. A scintillation crystal having perfect linearity would always create the same number of photons per unit energy absorbed, regardless of the energy of the radiation. Thus, its departure from perfect linearity is zero. In an embodiment, a scintillation compound can have an afterglow of less than <NUM> ppm after <NUM> relative to the intensity measured during an x-ray irradiation. In a particular embodiment, an improvement with less afterglow may be accompanied by a reduction in the decay time and an increase in light yield. The presence of a rare earth element in a divalent or tetravalent state with an electronic charge compensating material can allow a scintillation compound to maintain electronic charge balance, yet still achieve benefits of having the rare earth element in the divalent or tetravalent state.

A non-limiting embodiment is described to illustrate better the current understanding of how concepts described herein are applicable to scintillation compounds. A rare earth aluminum garnet, such as LuAG, can be formed and include at least some rare earth element in the tetravalent state, Ce<NUM>+ within the finished scintillation compound. If too much Ce<NUM>+ is added without any electronic charge compensating species, the LuAG compound may have too many oxygen vacancies that can act as electron traps. When radiation is captured, electrons within the LuAG compound become excited. Some electrons will return to a lower energy state and emit scintillating light, which is desired; however, other electrons become trapped and do not emit light when trapped. The electrons may become untrapped due to temperature and emit light referred to as thermoluminescence. Thus, the electron traps are problematic because electrons that become trapped will not emit scintillating light at the time when electrons outside the traps emitting scintillating light, and electrons released from the traps will emit light but it will be at a time after the scintillating light from non-trapped electrons was emitted. By maintaining better electronic charge balance, oxygen vacancies may be less likely to trap electrons. Continuing with the prior example, a Group <NUM> element, such as Ca, Mg, Sr, Zn, or the like, can be incorporated into the scintillation compound. The Group <NUM> element of Zn is in a divalent state and does not or is not readily oxidized. Thus, the LuAG compound can be formed in an oxidizing ambient sufficient to achieve a desired concentration of Ce<NUM>+ without a significant risk of forming oxygen vacancies while still maintaining better electronic charge balance at least in part due to the presence of the Group <NUM> element or Zn that is not readily oxidized. The addition of a rare earth element in a tetravalent state can obviate a step in the scintillation mechanism in many scintillation compounds. The modified scintillation mechanism consists of the interaction of cerium in <NUM>+ state with high energy X-ray or γ-photons and converting Ce<NUM>+ directly into excited (<NUM>+)* state together with generating of a hole. Divalent elements are participating in the scintillation mechanism having a particular role of hole traps.

Ideally, a pair of rare earth metal atoms in a trivalent state is replaced by a rare earth atom in a tetravalent state and a metal atom in a divalent state, such as a Group <NUM> element, Zn, or any combination thereof. In practice, with respect to replacing rare earth metal atoms in a trivalent state, the ratio of rare earth atoms in a tetravalent state to metal atoms in a divalent state does not need to be <NUM>:<NUM>, since not all the dopant atoms are participating in scintillation mechanism and thus, some electronic charge imbalance does not deviate from the concepts are described herein. Better performance may result as the ratio is kept closer to <NUM>:<NUM>.

Similar concepts can apply when rare earth elements are reduced. In another non-limiting embodiment, a pair of rare earth metal atoms in a trivalent state is replaced by a rare earth atom in a divalent state and a metal atom in a tetravalent state. A particular compound can include CaLaB<NUM>O<NUM>. Some of the La, which is in a trivalent state, may be replaced by Eu<NUM>+ and Zr, Hf, or a combination thereof. Zr and Hf are in a tetravalent state and are not readily reduced. Thus, the replacement of La with Eu<NUM>+ and Zr or Hf allows for better electronic charge balance, particularly when the scintillation compound is exposed to a reducing ambient, for example, to keep the Eu<NUM>+ from being oxidized to Eu<NUM>+.

In a further non-limiting embodiment, a pair of metal atoms in a divalent state is replaced by a rare earth atom in a trivalent state and a metal atom in a monovalent state, such as a Group <NUM> element or Ag. A particular compound can include CaI<NUM>. Some of the Ca, which is in a divalent state, may be replaced by Eu<NUM>+ and Li, Na, or K, or a combination thereof. The Group <NUM> elements are in a monovalent state and are not readily reduced. Thus, the replacement of Ba with Eu<NUM>+ and Li, Na, or K allows for better electronic charge balance, particularly when the scintillation compound is exposed to a reducing ambient, for example, to keep the Eu<NUM>+ from being oxidized to Eu<NUM>+.

The presence of Ce<NUM>+ can be determined from crystal samples polished on their two parallel sides, through which sides the spectrophotometic operation was carried out. The distance between these parallel sides (thickness of the sample) may be from <NUM> to <NUM>. In a particular embodiment, the samples are nominally <NUM> thick. A Cary 6000i-brand spectrophotometer measuring in the UV and in the visible, marketed by Varian, now part of Agilent Technologies, Inc. , under the trade name Cary 6000i, and having a resolution of less than or equal to <NUM>, may be used. The direct transmission mode was used on the samples. Samples were measured using an interval of <NUM>, an acquisition time of <NUM> per point and an SBW (spectral bandwidth) of <NUM>. Absorbance (also called the optical density) of each sample is measured as a function of wavelength between <NUM> and <NUM>. Background noise is subtracted before determining a ratio of the absorbance at <NUM> to the absorbance at <NUM>, referenced A<NUM>/A<NUM>.

<FIG> includes the absorbance spectra in the case of sample <NUM> (referenced "<NUM>" in the figure) after an air annealing (according to an embodiment) and in the case of sample <NUM> (referenced "<NUM>" in the figure), a reference sample, representative of the prior art, that is not annealed. In the case of sample <NUM>, after an air annealing, an absorbance maximum is observed at <NUM>, the origin of which is Ce<NUM>+.

<FIG> compares the thermoluminescence intensity of a compound in the case of sample <NUM> (referenced "<NUM>") after an air annealing and in the case of sample <NUM> (unannealed reference sample, referenced "<NUM>") representative of the prior art. In the case of the sample <NUM>, a very substantial drop in the thermoluminescence intensity, especially around <NUM>, is noticed, and thus, afterglow is reduced.

References have been published that disclose the addition of dopants to improve the performance of scintillator crystals. <CIT> teaches that Ca is added so that Ce<NUM>+ forms Ce<NUM>+ in cerium-doped lutetium yttrium orthosilicate (LYSO:Ce). Clearly, RE<NUM>+ has been undesired in the prior art. Unlike the teachings of the prior art, a rare earth element can be intentionally kept in a divalent or tetravalent state and achieve the benefits of such state while still maintaining electronic charge balance.

In an embodiment, a scintillation compound may be substantially clear. In another embodiment, the color change may be quantified by determining a color difference between a scintillation compound in accordance with any of the embodiments described herein may be compared to its corresponding base compound when both are illuminated by substantially white light. As used herein, a corresponding base compound has a substantially the same composition as the scintillation compound, except that all of its scintillating light activator in a valance state different from a conventional activator for the particular scintillation compound. For example, scintillation compound may have RE<NUM>+ (e.g., Ce<NUM>+) as a conventional activator; however a scintillation compound in accordance with an embodiment may have Ce<NUM>+ or a combination of Ce<NUM>+ and a significant amount of Ce<NUM>+ as a scintillating light activator. The corresponding base compound would have all of the cerium as Ce<NUM>+ with substantially no or an insignificant amount of Ce<NUM>+. In another example, another scintillation compound may have RE<NUM>+ (e.g., Eu<NUM>+) as a conventional activator; however another scintillation compound in accordance with an embodiment may have Eu<NUM>+ or a combination of Eu<NUM>+ and Eu<NUM>+ as a scintillating light activator. The corresponding base compound would have all of the europium as Eu<NUM>+ with substantially no or an insignificant amount of Eu<NUM>+.

Samples for color change evaluation may be used as formed, have a surface polished, fractured roughed, or have another suitable sample preparation performed. White light may be directed such that it is directed perpendicular to surface, at an angle other than perpendicular to the surface, or from a plurality of light sources oriented at different angles with respect to the surface. One or more different techniques may be used to determine color change.

In an embodiment, CIE <NUM> color space coordinates, L*, a*, and b* can be used. The CIE <NUM> color space coordinates may be obtained using a Cary 6000i-brand spectrophotometer from Varian, now part of Agilent Technologies, Inc. The scintillation compound reflects substantially white light at color space coordinates of L1*, a1*, b1* that correspond to CIE <NUM> color space coordinates L*, a*, and b* for the scintillation compound. The corresponding base compound reflects substantially white light at color space coordinates of L2*, a2*, b2* that correspond to CIE <NUM> color space coordinates L*, a*, and b* for the corresponding base compound. The color difference between the scintillation compound and the base compound may be such that |a1*-a2*| is no greater than approximately <NUM>, and |b1*-b2*| is no greater than approximately <NUM>. In another embodiment, |a1*-a2*| is no greater than approximately <NUM>, is no greater than approximately <NUM>, is no greater than approximately <NUM>, is no greater than approximately <NUM>, is no greater than approximately <NUM>, is no greater than approximately <NUM>, or is no greater than approximately <NUM>, is no greater than approximately <NUM>, no greater than approximately <NUM>, or no greater than approximately <NUM>, and |b1*-b2*| is no greater than approximately <NUM>, is no greater than approximately <NUM>, is no greater than approximately <NUM>, is no greater than approximately <NUM>, is no greater than approximately <NUM>, is no greater than approximately <NUM>, or is no greater than approximately <NUM>, is no greater than approximately <NUM>, no greater than approximately <NUM>, or no greater than approximately <NUM>. In a further embodiment,|L1*-L2*| is no greater than approximately <NUM>, no greater than approximately <NUM>, is no greater than approximately <NUM>, is no greater than approximately <NUM>, is no greater than approximately <NUM>, is no greater than approximately <NUM>, is no greater than approximately <NUM>, or is no greater than approximately <NUM>.

As an alternative to color space coordinates, the wavelength of reflected light may be used. The scintillation compound reflects substantially white light at a first wavelength, and its corresponding base compound reflects substantially white light at a second wavelength. In an embodiment, first and second wavelengths are no greater than approximately <NUM> from each other, no greater than approximately <NUM>, no greater than approximately <NUM>, no greater than approximately <NUM>, no greater than approximately <NUM>, no greater than approximately <NUM>, no greater than approximately <NUM> from each other.

In still another embodiment, a particular spectrum of wavelengths may be used. In one example, a scintillation compound is colorless when sufficiently electronic charge balanced, and a similar scintillator compound has a yellow color if not sufficiently electronic charge balanced. The intensity of the reflected light at wavelengths from <NUM> to <NUM> for the scintillator compounds may be compared. A color change may be determined if the data significantly differ. Alternatively, only blue light (for example, light having an emission maximum at a wavelength in a range of <NUM> to <NUM>) may be used to illuminate the scintillation compounds. The scintillation compound that is colorless may reflect substantially more of the blue light as compared to the scintillation compound that has the yellow color.

In another example, a different scintillation compound has a yellow color when sufficiently electronic charge balanced, and yet another similar scintillator compound has a green color if not sufficiently electronic charge balanced. The intensity of the reflected light at wavelengths from <NUM> to <NUM> for the scintillator compounds may be compared. An analysis may be performed with different color lights. A first set of data may be obtained when, only green light (for example, light having an emission maximum at a wavelength in a range of <NUM> to <NUM>) is used to illuminate the scintillation compounds. A second set of data may be obtained when, only red light (for example, light having an emission maximum at a wavelength in a range of <NUM> to <NUM>) is used to illuminate the scintillation compounds. The scintillation compound that is yellow may reflect substantially more of the red light and less of the green light as compared to the scintillation compound that has the green color.

Many different aspects and embodiments are possible. Some of those aspects and embodiments are described herein. After reading this specification, skilled artisans will appreciate that those aspects and embodiments are only illustrative and do not limit the scope of the present invention. Additionally, those skilled in the art will understand that some embodiments that include analog circuits can be similarly implemented using digital circuits, and vice versa.

The concepts described herein will be further described in the Examples, which do not limit the scope of the invention described in the claims. The Examples demonstrate performance of scintillation crystals of different compositions. Numerical values as disclosed in this Examples section may be approximated or rounded off for convenience.

The examples below help to illustrate potential improvements with light yield (LY) and energy resolution for some exemplary compounds. All sample sizes are in mm, and energy resolution is based on full-width, half-maximum (FWHM) data. Content levels as listed in the tables below are in ppm atomic. Further, in the examples that are doped with Pr, the Pr-doped materials include some Ce as an impurity; however, the amount of Ce is not present in an amount that significantly affects the scintillation properties.

The Examples demonstrate a significant improvement of energy resolution (that is lower energy resolution) when a combination of RE<NUM>+ and M<NUM>+ as within the scintillation compound as compared to a scintillation compound without the RE<NUM>+ and M<NUM>+. In general, the energy resolution is in a range of approximately <NUM>% to <NUM>% lower for the scintillation compounds with RE<NUM>+ and M<NUM>+ co-dopants, as compared to the same compound without the co-dopants. For the scintillator compound with the RE<NUM>+ and M<NUM>+ co-dopants, the improvement is significant but not as great as for the RE<NUM>+ and M<NUM>+ co-dopants. Scintillation is more effective with electrons as compared to holes. Still, the scintillation compound with RE<NUM>+ and M<NUM>+ helps to improve performance.

Certain features that are, for clarity, described herein in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any subcombination. Further, reference to values stated in ranges includes each and every value within that range.

Claim 1:
A radiation detection apparatus comprising:
a scintillator including a scintillation compound, the scintillation compound comprising a metal element in a trivalent state, and a rare earth element in a divalent state at a concentration of at least <NUM> ppm atomic of the scintillation compound,
wherein, in a host matrix of the scintillator compound, at least a portion of the rare earth element in the divalent state replaces the metal in the trivalent state,
the scintillation compound further comprising a dopant in a tetravalent state at the concentration of at least <NUM> ppm atomic of the scintillator compound, and
a photosensor configured to receive scintillating light from the scintillator,
wherein the scintillation compound comprises one of the following compounds:
- BaAl(<NUM>-×-y)RE<NUM>+xHfyMgO<NUM>, wherein Hf may partially or completely replaced by Zr and RE<NUM>+ may be Nd<NUM>+, Sm<NUM>+, Eu<NUM>+, Dy<NUM>+, Tm<NUM>+, Yb<NUM>+;
- GdCl<NUM> having some of the Gd replaced by a combination of RE<NUM>+ and M<NUM>+;
- RE1<NUM>+(<NUM>-a-b)RE2<NUM>+aM<NUM>+bX<NUM>, wherein M<NUM>+ is a tetravalent metal element; RE1<NUM>+ is a trivalent rare earth element; RE2<NUM>+ is a divalent rare earth element; X is a halogen; each of a and b is greater than or equal to <NUM> and less than or equal to <NUM>; and (a+b) are greater than or equal to <NUM> and less than <NUM>.