Optical properties and structure of Pr³⁺-doped Al(PO₃)₃–LiF glasses as scattered neutron scintillator for nuclear fusion diagnostics

Scattered neutron diagnostics is an indispensable tool for both inertial confinement and magnetic confinement fusion research. For this purpose, a fast-response neutron scintillator with a high cross section for scattered neutrons is strongly required. Recently, based on our material design strategy, we have successfully developed the fast response time Pr³⁺-doped 20Al(PO₃)₃-80LiF glass scintillator for scattered neutron originated from inertial confinement fusion. The matrix glass 20Al(PO₃)₃-80LiF shows good glass forming ability, chemical durability and transparency in the deep ultraviolet region. The purpose of this work is to investigate the glass structure of 20Al(PO₃)₃-80LiF glasses using Raman spectroscopy and to discuss the relationship between physical and scintillation properties and glass structure.