Modified micro-pulling-down method for preparation of phosphor-glass composite scintillators

Single-crystal scintillators offer superior performance, but their high production cost stimulates the development of alternative cost-effective materials for ionizing radiation detection. A composite material consisting of scintillating particles embedded in a glass matrix represents a promising low-cost alternative, while providing mechanical stability, optical transparency, and shapeability. We present an optimized hot-zone design for the micro-pulling-down method enabling rapid preparation of glass composite rods with embedded Y₃Al₅O₁₂:Ce (YAG:Ce) micro particles, with a rod geometry that is reproducible across independently grown runs. The scintillation and photoluminescence measurements of the prepared samples reveal higher radioluminescence intensity under identical excitation conditions compared to samples prepared by the melt-quenching method. This approach enables systematic studies focused on the development of high-performance and low-cost composite scintillators.