Fast, Dense, Low Cost Scintillator for Nuclear Physics

Although inorganic scintillators are one of the most common detectors used in nuclear and particle physics experiments, the properties of currently available scintillator materials limit the performance and increase the cost of these systems. This project will develop a new class of scintillation materials that can be produced using a low-cost fabrication approach. Phase I demonstrated the feasibility of producing high performance scintillators with the low-cost fabrication approach. Samples of the scintillators were produced, and their performance was evaluated. Phase II will be aimed at advancing the new scintillation technology for positron emission technology (PET). Large samples of the new scintillators will be produced and their performance will be evaluated. Then, PET modules based on the new scintillators will be built and characterized. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: Over and above the use in nuclear physics, the new scintillators should be commercially applicable to medical imaging, non destructive evaluation, bore hole logging, homeland security, X-ray instrumentation, and materials analysis. They also should be useful in particle and space physics experiments