Improving γ-ray energy resolution, non-proportionality, and decay time of NaI:Tl+ with Sr2+ and Ca2+ co-doping

Commercially available thallium activated sodium iodide scintillators are typically characterized by a γ-ray energy resolution of 6.5% at 662 keV and a scintillation decay time constant of 230 ns. Energy resolution, non-proportionality, and scintillation decay time are improved when the crystal is co-doped with alkaline earth metals (Sr2+ and Ca2+). The energy resolution of NaI:Tl+ is improved to 5.3%, and the decay time is simultaneously reduced to 170 ns with Sr2+ and Ca2+ co-doping. The improvement in energy resolution, non-proportionality, and decay time are likely due to the suppression of the slow scintillation processes in NaI:Tl+.