Ultrathin and transparent Ce/Tb codoped LaF3 scintillator films for high resolution X-ray microscopic imaging

Ultrathin and transparent scintillator films for X-ray microscopic imaging are urgently desired to accurately detect the internal tiny structure of objects in nondestructive way. However, it is great difficulty for the commercial scintillators (e.g., CsI:TI, LYSO:Ce) to obtain the ultrathin single crystal scintillators below 50μm. Additionally, scintillator powders such as Gd 2 O 2 S:Tb, when embedded in polymeric matrix, demonstrate significant scattering resulting from their opacity and substantial thickness. Here, we present a novel ultrathin (∼46μm) and transparent (∼90%) LaF 3 :Tb,Ce-polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) composite scintillator film with ultra-high loading content (∼85wt%) for high resolution X-ray microscopic imaging. It is obtained by thoroughly mixing directly precipitated LaF 3 :Tb,Ce nanocrystals (∼13nm) prepared by direct precipitation and PVA solution, followed by scraping and drying. The harmless solvent and low preparation temperature (below 100℃) contribute to its convenient and eco-friendly nature. More importantly, the film realizes high spatial resolution of 7μm thanks to its ultrathin and transparent feature.