Development of Eu-doped Gd3Al3Ga2O12 Nanoparticles for in vivo Applications

Abstract

Red-emitting scintillator nanoparticles based on Eu-doped Gd3Al3Ga2O12 were developed. Nanoparticles of 100–300 nm size were successfully obtained. The photoluminescence (PL) and X-ray-induced radioluminescence spectra had sharp peaks in the wavelength region of 590–820 nm, which are attributed to the 4f–4f transitions of Eu3+ ions. The Eu concentration dependence of the emission properties was investigated. The PL quantum yield was the highest (98.4%) for the Eu concentration of 5% with respect to (Gd + Eu). Judged from the high PL quantum yield and radioluminescence in the red wavelength region, the development of the red-emitting nanoparticle scintillators was successful.