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Published on: February 8, 2018
Lutetium Oxide Coatings by PVD.
Stephen G Topping1, Ch Park, Sk Rangan
1Department of Manufacturing Engineering, Boston University, 15 St. Mary's Street, Boston, MA, 02215.
Summary
Lutetium oxide (Lu2O3) transparent optical coatings via magnetron sputtering offer improved scintillation resolution over traditional methods. Research investigates process parameters to optimize coating properties for enhanced performance in scintillating applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Optical Engineering
- Solid State Physics
Background:
- Lutetium oxide (Lu2O3) is a high-density, cubic material researched for scintillating applications.
- Traditional manufacturing methods (hot pressing, sintering) yield polycrystalline materials with light scattering, limiting resolution.
- Vapor deposition presents an alternative for producing Lu2O3 with tailored properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate magnetron sputtering for creating transparent Lutetium oxide optical coatings.
- Optimize sputter deposition process parameters to enhance scintillation and resolution.
- Analyze the impact of process parameters on coating properties.
Main Methods:
- Magnetron sputtering for thin film deposition of Lutetium oxide.
- X-ray diffraction (XRD) for structural analysis.
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for surface morphology.
- Emission spectroscopy for optical properties.
Main Results:
- Magnetron sputtered Lu2O3 coatings demonstrate potential for improved scintillation.
- Coating properties, including transparency and emission, are influenced by process parameters.
- Inherent stress and defects in sputter-deposited coatings can affect performance.
Conclusions:
- Magnetron sputtering is a viable method for producing Lutetium oxide coatings for scintillation.
- Further investigation into process parameter optimization is crucial for maximizing performance.
- Understanding and mitigating defects are key to achieving high-resolution scintillating materials.
