Bulk Composite Materials for Detection of Gamma Radiation

The objective of this proposal is to develop enabling technology for the production of bulk scintillating nanocomposites that have gamma radiation detection properties of single crystal NaI but with the manufacturability of plastic scintillators. These performance criteria may be met by developing nanoparticle polymer composites with ultra-high nanoparticle loadings. These ‘ultra-composites’ would contain the minimum quantity of organic binder necessary to retain suitable mechanical and optical properties. In addition, the development and incorporation of polymers composed of high Z atoms will increase the stopping power of these materials. This increased stopping power from the polymer matrix will allow for more flexibility in the required nanoparticle loading level to obtain sufficient nanocomposite stopping power. While the specific scintillation materials used in this program are CdSe and CeF3, it should be stressed that this technology is applicable to all types of nanoparticles for scintillation.