A fast-decaying, dense phosphor having relatively high light emission is described. Through a combination of material selection, growth and deposition technique, phosphor thin films are made that preserve the necessary light output when used in thin-films, unlike common fast phosphors, such as P-46, P-47, and also have an afterglow that decays much faster than common bright phosphors, such as P-43. Use of the phosphor is described in applications where acquiring many frames/images very quickly is required.