Solid Solution Hardening of Strontium Iodide

Strontium Iodide (SrI2) is a promising scintillator for detection of gamma radiation with applications in homeland security. The goal of this program is to investigate solid solution hardening of SrI2 by aliovalent doping. Fracture of SrI2, as well as most other scintillators with high light output, is limiting their availability in the large volumes needed for detection of gamma radiation. The goal of this program is to investigate solid solution hardening of SrI2 by impurity doping to make the material withstand the stresses generated in the crystal during growth. The success of this program promises to result in higher availability and lower cost of large volume detectors needed for homeland security and medical applications. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: High light output scintillators are exceptionally suitable for detection of nuclear radiation. They have applications in nuclear science, as well as inspection tools in homeland security, and medical diagnostics.