Optimization of crystal growth and properties of γ-CuI ultrafast scintillator by the addition of LiI

Large-sized gamma-CuI single crystals with ultrafast scintillation property were grown in LiI acetonitrile solvent through evaporation technique. The LiI exhibits unique properties to gamma-CuI single crystal preparation. One is that it increases the solubility of CuI in the solvent, which gives rise to a largest-sized (23 x 14 x 2 mm(3)) single crystal with the high optical transmission (over 60%) in the wavelength region of 435-800 nm. The other feature is that it acts as an effective isoelectronic dopant and improves the molar ratio of copper to iodine, which greatly enhances the near-band-edge emissions (411 and 432 nm) and suppresses the broadband emission (680 nm). The decay time of the fast emission under pulsed X-ray excitation is shorter than 450 ps. The results will give a guidance for optimizing the properties of gamma-CuI single crystal as an ultrafast scintillator.