High Resolution Radiation Detection with Sub-Micron Light Trapping Structures

Intelligent Optical Systems proposes to develop an innovative optical fiber radiation detector whose light trapping efficiency will be greater than an order of magnitude higher than current radiation detectors. Photonic crystal-like optical fibers with novel liquid scintillating cores will be evaluated and tested. These novel photonic crystal light emitting fibers, or PCLEFs, are expected to have high light efficiency due to the quantum-confinement effect, and will increase sensitivity in numerous radiation sensing applications. The proposed technological advance will improve light efficiency in radiation detection, and thereby the sensitivity of radiation imaging devices, primarily in homeland defense, security, and medical (radiation therapy) applications. In Phase I, we will demonstrate an increase of the spontaneous emission response to radiation, at room temperature, that will suffice for energy resolution of 1% or better. The proposed technology will have societal benefits, in that it will help to obtain earlier and timely responses to radiation in homeland security applications, and for medical diagnostics. The understanding gained during this PCLEF development program will be applicable to a wide range of light emitter and detector designs. This technology also has potential implications for energy-savings in reducing the cost of luminous intensity per watt of electrical power consumption.