Gamma-ray excited scintillation characteristics of a domestically-produced ø 1 × 1 in LaBr 3 :Ce crystal at the temperature range of -70°C to 70°C

Abstract The performance of a domestically-produced ø 1 × 1 in LaBr 3 :Ce crystal has been examined with a series of γ -ray sources at room temperature. The results show a good energy resolution (3.82%(FWHM) for 662 keV γ -rays), a satisfactory time resolution (145.1 ± 2.5 ps), and a comparatively low intrinsic background radiation (approximately 22 counts/s). The temperature-dependent characteristics of the crystal were also measured at the temperature range of -70 to 70°C. The results indicate the minimal alteration in either the scintillation light output or the energy resolution when the temperature varies. The decay time was observed to be less than 30 ns within the specified temperature range. These results indicate that the LaBr 3 :Ce crystal is a highly promising candidate for use in constructing the crystal detectors array in the small polar angle region at HIAF-HIRIBL.