Pulse-shape discrimination with PbWO$_4$ crystal scintillators

TL;DR

This study investigates the pulse shape and light output of PbWO4 crystal scintillators doped with various elements at -25°C, revealing potential for alpha/gamma discrimination, especially with Mo doping.

Contribution

It provides new insights into pulse shape components and demonstrates pulse-shape discrimination capabilities in doped PbWO4 scintillators.

Findings

Identification of fast and middle decay components in scintillation signals.

Detection of slow components in Mo-doped samples.

Evidence of pulse-shape discrimination between alpha and gamma particles.

Abstract

The light output, $\alpha/\beta$ ratio, and pulse shape have been investigated at $-25^\circ$ C with PbWO$_4$ crystal scintillators undoped, and doped by F, Eu, Mo, Gd and S. The fast $0.01-0.06 \mu$s and middle $0.1-0.5 \mu$s components of scintillation decay were observed for all the samples. Slow components of scintillation signal with the decay times $1-3 \mu$s and $13-28 \mu$s with the total intensity up to $\approx50%$ have been recognized for several samples doped by Molybdenum. We found some indications of a pulse-shape discrimination between $\alpha$ particles and $\gamma$ quanta with PbWO$_4$ (Mo doped) crystal scintillators.