Preparation and Optical Spectroscopy of BaFCl/Eu2+: a Photoluminescent X-ray Storage Phosphor

Computed radiography, a digital X-ray imaging technique using Aphotostimulable phosphor storage media is one of the primary candidates to replace the long-established screen-film radiography. It allows the combination of highly advanced photographic technology with digital computer techniques. X-ray storage phosphors such as BaFX/Eu2+ Cl, Br, and I) have been widely discussed in the field of the radiography and crystallography. In the present paper, a new method for the preparation of flake-like Eu2+ doped BaFCl nano/submicrociystal has been developed. A co precipitation chemical reaction between BaCl2 and NH4F aqueous solution in reverse micelles has been used at room temperature. Doping with Eu2+ was carried out by adding EuCl3 during preparation time. A fine powder consisting of 60 to 500 nm flake-like microcrystals has been obtained by a one-step chemical reaction without thermal treatment. The storage phosphor has been characterized by synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscope and optical methods. Photoluminescence (PL) measurements attest the europium impurification and oxygen contamination during preparation. We believe the prepared phosphors may have potential applications in imaging plates.