LaF$_{3}$ and YAG:Ce$^{3+}$ nanoparticle composites for radiation detection

Lanthanum fluoride (LaF$_{3}$) is an attractive crystal matrix, since it is non-hygroscopic and thermally stable. Previous work with bulk crystals has shown their suitability for scintillating detectors when doped with various rare-earth elements to tune emission properties. We explore the use of doped LaF$_{3}$ nanocrystals, less than 50 nm in diameter, using a combination of Ce$^{3+}$, Tb$^{3+}$, and Eu$^{3+}$ dopants at concentrations from 1\% to 10\% by mole. These doped nanoparticles have the advantage of easy synthesis, and may be assembled through various methods depending on the desired properties. They also possess a large surface-to-volume ratio suitable for modification, such as ligands to control solubility in a variety of substances. For enhanced luminosity, we combine the LaF$_{3}$:Ce$^{3+}$ with doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Y$_{3}$Al$_{5}$O$_{12}$:Ce$^{3+}$), prepared through a glycothermal method as nanoparticles of $\sim$30 nm diameter. We propose to use the energy transfer between the Ce dopant on each crystal to effect fast, high-yield response to incident radiation. Morphology of the LaF$_{3}$ and YAG products is examined, and we quantify response to a range of photon wavelengths, toward the goal of incorporating them into a radiation detection device.