Scintillating and optical spectroscopy of Al2O3 : Ti for dark matter searches
Title | Scintillating and optical spectroscopy of Al2O3 : Ti for dark matter searches |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2009 |
Authors | Luca, M, Coron, N, Dujardin, C, Kraus, H, Mikhailik, VB, Verdier, MA, Di Stefano, PCF |
Journal | Nuclear Instruments & Methods in Physics Research Section a-Accelerators Spectrometers Detectors and Associated Equipment |
Volume | 606 |
Pagination | 545-551 |
Date Published | Jul |
ISBN Number | 0168-9002 |
Accession Number | WOS:000268453600036 |
Abstract | In order to optimize sapphire as a cryogenic scintillation-phonon detector for dark matter, Al2O3 : Ti crystals with different concentrations of doping have been studied using continuous X-ray excitation in the 30-300 K temperature range. Light yields vary by 20% for Ti concentrations between 10 and 1000 ppm at room temperature; they roughly double as the crystals are cooled from room temperature to 45 K. From the analysis of the change in the X-ray luminescence spectra of Al2O3 with the concentration of Ti, it is concluded that the well-known blue emission of Ti-doped Al2O3 is due to the radiative decay of F-centers. Recommendations are given for improving the performance of Al2O3 scintillators. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. |