A New Scintillator for Gamma Ray Spectroscopy

70000S02-II Scintillation spectrometers, consisting of inorganic scintillation crystals coupled to photomultiplier tubes, are an important element of nuclear and elementary particle physics experiments. However, the performance of the detection systems used in these experiments is often limited by the properties of presently available scintillators. Therefore, this project will develop a new scintillator, which appears to be very promising due to its high light output, fast response, and excellent energy resolution. Large crystals of this new scintillation material will be grown and their properties will be extensively examined. In Phase I, the new scintillator was produced and evaluated. Scintillation characteristics as well as energy resolution were measured, and the feasibility of the proposed approach was adequately demonstrated. Phase II will produce large volume scintillation crystals for nuclear physics studies. Arrays of scintillation crystals also will be built for Gamma ray and charged particle imaging studies. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: In addition to their scientific use in nuclear, high energy, and space physics experiments, the new scintillators should be commercially applicable to medical imaging, non-destructive examination, geological exploration, industrial CT imaging, X-ray instrumentation, and materials analysis.