${\hbox{SrI}}_{2}{:}{\hbox{Eu}}^{2+}$ -Scintillators for Spectroscopy and X-Ray Imaging Applications

Much work is going on presently to improve the crystal growth and packaging of the
${\hbox{Eu}}^{2+}$
activated
${\hbox{SrI}}_{2}$
scintillator, thanks to its excellent scintillation properties like high light yield and good energy resolution. Larger crystals are needed for spectroscopic applications, and proper packaging is important for long-time field use and application in other areas due to its hygroscopic nature. In this paper, we report on the successful growth of a
${\hbox{SrI}}_{2}{:}{\hbox{Eu}}~[{\hbox{6~mol}}\%]$
single crystal in silica ampoule to prevent melt hydration and oxygen contamination using the vertical Bridgman technique. The scintillation properties of a 0.314
${\hbox{cm}}^{3}~{\hbox{SrI}}_{2}{:}{\hbox{Eu}}$
sample are presented, showing a light output of
$\sim {\hbox{80}}\thinspace{\hbox{000}}~{\hbox{ph}}/{\hbox{MeV}}$
. A 360
${\mu}{\hbox{m}}$
sample was investigated for X-ray imaging applications; we also show how the sample was prepared for the measurement and the result of this preliminary investigation.