CaF2(Eu) Scintillator (CaF2(Eu) Scintillation Crystal)

Calcium fluoride doped with europium (CaF₂:Eu) is a well-established inorganic scintillation crystal prized for its chemical stability, non-hygroscopic nature, and mechanical robustness. Under ionizing radiation, it exhibits intense blue luminescence centered around 420–435 nm, originating from the 5d–4f transition of Eu²⁺ ions, with a high light yield of approximately 19,000 photons/MeV and a fast decay time near 0.94 μs. Its low effective atomic number and minimal backscattering make it particularly suitable for beta-particle detection, low-energy gamma-ray spectroscopy, and specialized applications such as tritium monitoring and dark matter searches.

OST Photonics supplies high-quality CaF₂(Eu) crystals in various dimensions and specifications upon request, ensuring a precise match for your specific application.

Application

Low-level Tritium Detection

Compton Camera Scattering Plane

Astrophysics Dark Matter Search

D-D Neutron Active Interrogation

‌Environmental Radiation Monitoring

Features

High Light Yield

Low Material Density

Excellent Environmental Stability‌

Low Effective Atomic Number‌

Pulse Shape Discrimination Capability

Production and Supply Capability

Maximum Size: ɸ80mm x 120mm

Available items: monolithic crystal

Properties

Density [g/cm3]

3.18

Melting point [K]

1691

Thermal expansion coefficient  [C-1]

19.5 x 10-6

Cleavage plane

<111>

Hardness (Mho)

4

Hygroscopic

no

Wavelength of emission max. [nm]

435

Lower wavelength cutoff [nm]

395

Refractive index @ emission max

1.47

Primary decay time [ns] 

940

Light yield [photons/keVγ]

19

Photoelectron yield [% of NaI(Tl)] (for γ-rays)

50