Fast optical phenomena in self-activated and ce-doped materials prospective for fast timing in radiation detectors

Abstract

The prospect of 10 picoseconds for timing of scintillation detectors is discussed. Time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy and nonlinear optical absorption techniques in different modes of pump and probe configuration are reviewed as tools for study of fast processes in scintillators. The original results on subpicosecond rise time of luminescence response, two-photon absorption and free carrier absorption in self-activated PWO and cerium-doped garnet-type scintillators YAGG:Ce and GAGG:Ce are presented and discussed in view of the study of excitation transfer processes and possible applications for fast timing in radiation detectors.