Improved Neutron Scintillators Based on Nanomaterials

The Department of Energy¿s large research facilities need a bright, fast, transparent, gamma-free, cost-effective scintillator for thermal neutron detection. Other applications with the same need are medical imaging, nuclear materials detection, and non-destructive materials investigation. Current scintillators not only use decades-old technology, but also are inefficient and expensive. This project will develop manufacturing methods that produce less costly organic scintillators by taking advantage of current advances in nanotechnology. The targeted thermal neutron capture efficiency will be 50%, with light output of 40-80k photons per neutron. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The new neutron scintillators, as well as neutron detectors that use the scintillator, should replace the current detectors used at large research facilities such as the Spallation Neutron Source at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Future anticipated markets include major medical imaging manufacturers and federal agencies, such as the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security.