GdBr₃:Ce in glass matrix as nuclear spectroscopy detector

An alumina-silica glass cylinder with cerium-activated gadolinium bromide, 2.5 cm in diameter and 3 cm long was cast to form a scintillation detector for spectral analysis of nuclear radiation, especially gamma rays. The detector, operated with a conventional photomultiplier tube and associated power supply, amplifier, and multichannel analyzer, shows for the first time for this material system a set of spectra that include well-defined full-energy gamma-ray peaks from 59.5 keV to 2500 keV. The full-energy peaks were characterized in terms of pulse height linearity, resolution, and counting efficiency. Energy spectral resolution also was demonstrated for alpha particles, beta particles, and ²³⁹Pu/Be neutrons. Gamma-ray detection efficiency was comparable to a conventional NaI(Tl) detector of similar volume but peak resolution at 662 keV in this new detector type was currently only 27%, compared to about 7% for the NaI(Tl) detector. Improved light output and thus resolution is being sought by optimizing glass compositions and processing. - Highlights: ► Replaces single-crystal detector for gamma-ray spectral analysis with phosphor in glass matrix. ► Tests cerium-activated gadolinium bromide in alumina silicate glass for this purpose. ► This substitution achieves easier detector production and greater stability. ► Scintillation efficiency and resolution require demonstrated matrix clarity and uniformity. ► Manuscript presents proof of concept and proposes improvements