A New Scintillator for Gamma Ray Spectroscopy

70000 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 detection systems used in these experiments is often limited by the properties of currently available scintillators. This project will investigate a new scintillator that offers high light output, fast response, and excellent energy resolution. Phase I will demonstrate the feasibility of applying the new scintillation material to gamma ray spectroscopy. Single crystals of the proposed scintillator will be grown and their scintillation performance will be evaluated. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: In addition to scientific uses in nuclear, high energy physics, and space physics experiments, the new scintillators should be commercially applicable to medical imaging, NDE, geological exploration, industrial CT imaging, X-ray instrumentation, and materials analysis.