New, Bright, High Resolution Scintillators

Proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, such as nuclear weapons, is a serious threat in the world today. Although gamma-ray detectors are an important component of systems used to prevent nuclear proliferation, the performance of such systems is currently limited by the characteristics of available gamma-ray sensors. This project will investigate a new class of scintillators that have the potential to provide very high light output, fast response, high efficiency, and excellent energy resolution ¿ qualities that can provide high performance gamma-ray sensors for nuclear non-proliferation. In Phase I, a systematic imvestigation of the new class of scintillators will be performed. Specifically, single crystals of the proposed scintillators will be grown, their scintillation performance will be evaluated, and their energy resolution will be measured. Compositions that appear promising for further optimization in Phase II will be identified. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: Over and above the scientific use in nuclear non-proliferation, the new scintillators should be commercially applicable to nuclear, high energy, and space physics experiments; medical imaging; homeland defense; geological exploration; industrial imaging; X-ray instrumentation; and materials analysis