Synthesis and Photoluminescence Characterization of Eu-doped Tb3Al5−xGaxO12 Nanoparticle Scintillators via Sol–Gel Method for Biological Applications

Red-emitting Eu-doped Tb 3 Al xGa 5-x O 12 (TAGG) nanoparticles were synthesized via a solgel method to develop scintillators applicable to in vivo use.The nanoparticles had diameters of approximately 100-200 nm.X-ray diffraction patterns indicate that the samples possessed a garnet structure.Photoluminescence (PL) spectra exhibited an emission peak mainly at 589 nm, corresponding to the 5 D 0 → 7 F 1 transitions of Eu 3+ ions.PL quantum yield reached over 90% at the maximum.Upon X-ray irradiation, all the samples exhibited red emission.These results indicate that the developed nanoparticles are applicable as biocompatible scintillators for in vivo applications, exhibiting scintillation in the red wavelength region mainly at 592 and 709 nm.