Synthesis OF bafbreu2 kflif xray Storage phosphor and understanding The underlying photostimulated Luminescence process

Abstract

X-ray projection imaging is an essential tool in medical diagnostics. Computed Radiography (CR) using X-ray Imaging Plates (IP) based on Photostimulated Luminescence (PSL) phenomenon provides an excellent alternative to conventional x-ray radiography which consists of a photographic film and intensifying screen. The synthesis of the technologically important BaFBr:Eu2+ x-ray storage phosphor by a facile and cost-effective synthetic approach is essential for the indigenous production of x-ray storage phosphor.Radiation is a carcinogen and hence its exposure to human beings during routine diagnostic screening must be reduced by applying ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) principle. To reduce patient exposure and to enhance the quality of the x-ray image, an increase in its luminescence efficiency by improved recipe is desired. A drawback of the IP is that the stored image gradually fades after the exposure. Phosphors with poor storage stability need to be processed rather rapidly.In BaFBr:Eu2+, the x-ray image is stored by forming the F(Br-) centres which are bromine ion vacancies capturing the x-ray generated electrons. However, the formation process of F(Br-) vacancies which act as electron traps (e.g., created due to the presence of oxygen contamination, OF2- or due to the presence of F- interstitials in fluorine excess non-stoichiometric BaFBr) as well as hole trap centres newline