Microstructure and scintillation characteristics of BaF sub(2) ceramics

This paper examines how the transformation of BaF sub(2) from a single-crystalline to polycrystalline state as a result of uniaxial hot-forming influences its properties. With increasing strain, the microstructure of the material changes from a nonuniform polycrystalline one, with a block size of about 1 mm, to a classic ceramic structure made up of grains in which dislocations form walls, resulting in a subgrain structure. The best mechanical characteristics are offered by the ceramic produced at a strain on the order of 700%. The intensity of the fast X-ray luminescence component (band at 220 nm) is independent of strain, whereas that of the slow component (band at 310 nm) decreases with increasing strain.