High-Z Polymer Composites as a New Category of Gamma Scintillator Materials

We propose a radically new approach to gamma scintillator materials based on high-Z polymer composites. These composites contain two key components molecularly dissolved in a polymer matrix that serves as the binder: (1) high-Z compounds for stopping high-energy gamma radiation; (2) luminescent conjugated polymers that functions as the scintillation activator. The molecular-level dissolution ensures high optical clarity. The polymeric matrix occupies a low volume fraction of the composites such that the effective Z is predominantly determined by the high-Z compounds. The high-Z compounds absorb incident gamma radiation. The deposited energy is transferred to the polymer and is released as visible photons. The proposed research involves liquid composite formulation and photophysical studies of the gamma attenuation, energy transfer, and light emission of the composites.