A Multi-Channel Setup to Study Fractures in Scintillators

TL;DR

This paper introduces a multi-channel experimental setup for studying fracture-induced luminescence and acoustic emissions in scintillating crystals, enabling detailed analysis of crack propagation and light emission during fracture.

Contribution

The authors developed a novel multi-channel system to simultaneously measure mechanical, acoustic, and optical signals during fracture in scintillators, providing comprehensive data for fracture analysis.

Findings

Successful continuous measurement of load, strain, and acoustic emissions.

High-resolution recording of emitted visible light during fracture.

Application demonstration on Bi4Ge3O12 (BGO) crystal).

Abstract

To investigate fractoluminescence in scintillating crystals used for particle detection, we have developed a multi-channel setup built around samples of double-cleavage drilled compression (DCDC) geometry in a controllable atmosphere. The setup allows the continuous digitization over hours of various parameters, including the applied load, and the compressive strain of the sample, as well as the acoustic emission. Emitted visible light is recorded with nanosecond resolution, and crack propagation is monitored using infrared lighting and camera. An example of application to Bi4Ge3O12 (BGO) is provided.