Radiation-Induced Degradation of LiF:W-Based Scintillators

We have studied the laws of, and reasons for, changes in the spectral and kinetic characteristics of cathodoluminescence (CL) of LiF:W scintillators irradiated by nanosecond electron pulses. It is established that the observed CL response distortions are related to the transformation of pre-irradiation defects and the accumulation of new color centers. Optimum conditions of operation of the LiF:W scintillators have been determined: preliminary exposure to a 10³- to 10⁴-Gy dose leads to a 1.5- to 2-fold increase in the CL intensity ("small-dose" effect).