M. D. Birowosuto, P. Dorenbos, C. W. E. van Eijk, K. W. Krämer and H. U. Güdel
High-light-output scintillator for photodiode readout: LuI₃:Ce³⁺
J. Appl. Phys. 99, 123520/1-4 (2006)                 

Abstract: In this paper, we investigated the scintillation properties of LuI₃:Ce³⁺. Radioluminescence, light output, energy resolution, and g-scintillation decay are reported. We find an extremely high light output of 98000±10000  photons/MeV. LuI₃:Ce³⁺ also gives a very high electron-hole (e-h) pair response when it is coupled with an avalanche photodiode (APD) (92000±9000  e-h  pairs/MeV). With an APD, a best energy resolution (full width at half maximum over the peak position) of 3.3%±0.3% for 662  keV g quanta is observed. A combination of an extremely high light output and a good energy resolution makes LuI₃:Ce³⁺ an ideal scintillator for radiation sensor applications. Some drawbacks due to the hygroscopicity and the difficult growth of LuI₃:Ce³⁺ crystals are also discussed.