Radiation detection demands new scintillators with high quantum efficiency, high energy resolution, and short luminescence lifetimes. Nanocomposites consisting of quantum dots and Ce3+ doped nanophosphors may be able to meet these requirements. Here, we report the luminescence enhancement of LaF3:Ce/CdTe nanocomposites which were synthesized by a wet chemistry method. CdTe quantum dots in LaF3:Ce/CdTe nanocomposites are converted into nanowires, while in LaF3 /CdTe nanocomposites no such conversion is observed. As a result, the CdTe luminescence in LaF3:Ce/CdTe nanocomposites is enhanced about five times, while in LaF3 /CdTe nanocomposites no enhancement was observed. Energy transfer, light reabsorption, and defect passivation are the likely reasons for the luminescence enhancement
