Crystal growth and optical characterization of cerium-doped Lu1.8Y0.2SiO5

Czochralski growth of cerium-doped Lu1.8Y0.2SiO5 (LYSO) from a 90/10 soluti on of Lu2SiO5 (LSO) and Y2SiO5 (YSO) is demonstrated. The alloyed scintilla tor retains the favorable growth properties of YSO and the desirable physic al and optical scintillator properties of LSO. Radioluminescence, thermally stimulated luminescence, optical absorption, and lifetime measurements con firm the equivalence of LYSO and LSO optical properties. Advantages of LYSO Czochralski growth relative to LSO include reduced melting point, less pro pensity for formation of crystalline inclusions, lower cost of starting mat erial, and easier incorporation of cerium into the host lattice. This mater ial offers an attractive alternative to LSO for scintillator applications. (C) 2000 American Institute of Physics. [S0021-8979(00)08201-9].