ZnS Scintillator for High Resolution X-ray Imaging at 9keV

Novel scintillator materials are needed to address the requirements of fast, high resolution x-ray microscopy, including higher stopping power and light yields. Achieving the required high efficiency and high spatial resolution is challenging and depends strongly on the scintillator characteristics. Knowledge of the details of the trap states can lead to significantly reduced afterglow and fast decay times. Various polycrystalline ceramic scintillators have been investigated in the past due to their advantages of lower cost and easier scalability to large sizes. We propose evaluating existing materials and developing novel ZnS materials as scintillators for high resolution X-ray imaging at 9keV. Powder processing methods will be examined to facilitate production of bulk ceramic scintillators. In addition, textured grain growth will be explored as a mechanism for increasing resolution.