Nano-scale BaF 2 :Ce phosphor powders ("nanophosphors") show great potential for improving the functioning of inorganic scintillators for gamma ray detectors. These particles may offer greater efficiency and ease of manufacture than most state-of-the-art single crystal scintillators currently in use. Chemical precipitation similar to that of LaF 3 : Ce synthesis was used to prepare the BaF 2 :Ce powders, while care was taken to optimize doping levels to prevent internal absorption while

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... ng photon production. Select particle samples were then encapsulated in a polymer matrix in an attempt to improve mechanical robustness while maintaining photon yield. Results from photoluminescence excitation and emission measurements of samples of BaF 2 : Ce powders doped from 1-30mol% suggest that the BaF 2 :15mol%Ce sample exhibited the greatest photon production, but that a more UV transparent polymer must be found in order to maximize light transmission when the powder is encapsulated in a polymer matrix.