Scintillation Lu2SiO5 ‒ z:Y3+:Ce3+:Ca2+ Crystal for Positron Emission Tomography

Abstract

Highly efficient scintillation Lu₂SiO_{5 ‒ z}:Y³⁺:Ce³⁺:Ca²⁺ crystals are grown from 20 to 85% of the initial melt using the Czochralski method. Crystallization of less than 50% of the melt residues in the iridium crucible leads to its deformation and short operating time. Optimized parameters of the growth process and the composition of the initial melt make it possible to grow crystalline boules with a diameter of 75‒80 mm. The scintillation properties of elements measuring 3 × 3 × 20 mm for time-of-flight positron emission tomography (TOF PET), made of the upper and lower parts of a boule weighing 5 kg, are studied.