Development of Scintillators and Waveshifters for Detection of Ionizing Radiation

182 Development of Scintillators and Waveshifters for Detection of Ionizing Radiation--Ludlum Measurements, Inc., PO Box 810, Sweetwater, TX 79556-0810; (915) 235-5494 Mr. Charles R. Hurlbut, Principal Investigator Mr. Donald G. Ludlum, Business Official DOE Grant No. DE-FG03-97ER82419 Amount: $75,000 High-energy particle accelerators at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory and Brookhaven National Laboratory need improved materials for their advanced detection systems, which are used to study the structure of matter and energy. This project is focused on advancing the state of the art of laboratory calorimetry technology, which uses large arrays of scintillating tiles read out by wavelength-shifting fiber optics. If the major materials-based limitations in scope and performance of these tiles can be eliminated, then the problems of radiation resistance and response speed in the fiber optics themselves can be solved. The Phase I work will be centered on the synthesis and characterization of one or more new green-emitting waveshifting fluorescent materials for these tiles that have unique radiation hardness as well as high speed and high quantum efficiency. Also, a thorough study of long-wavelength scintillators and corresponding red-emitting fiber optics will be done using both conventional optical read-out elements and the promising new solid state sensors developed in the United States in recent years. The Phase II project will develop additional fluorescent systems meeting the stated performance benchmarks. Methods of economically manufacturing the most promising materials will also be a major focus item. Finally, demonstration systems for both accelerator physics and medical imaging applications will be fabricated in concert with leading groups in their respective disciplines. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: There is strong potential for commercial development in the fields of high-resolution positron emission tomography (PET), real-time space-independent dosimetry for cancer therapy, and health physics instrumentation. _