Luminescence characteristics of the Ce³⁺-doped pyrosilicates: The case of La-Admixed Gd₂Si₂O₇ single crystals

We study Ce³⁺ luminescence and scintillation characteristics in novel, high performing hosts among the oxide single crystal scintillators, the La-admixed Gd₂Si₂O₇. Obtained characteristics are systematically compared with the earlier studied Lu₂Si₂O₇ host. We determine the barrier height of the thermal ionization of the Ce³⁺ excited center, we address the effect of La-admixture on the physical characteristics, and we construct an energy level diagram of the material system. High scintillation efficiency, low afterglow, and the onset of Ce³⁺ excited state ionization appearing well above room temperature indicate a large potential of La-admixed Gd₂Si₂O₇ in a variety of scintillating material applications. (Graph Presented).