5V, High Gain, High Sensitivity Photomultiplier Detector

This project will demonstrate a breakthrough detector for the readout of scintillators used for gamma ray detection in Nuclear Physics experiments. The new detector: (1) will overcome the quantum efficiency and high voltage limits of current photomultipliers (PMTs) and Avalanche Photodiodes (APDs); (2) will offer the possibility of improving scintillator detector resolution at least by a factor of 30 percent, without the need for a high voltage power supply, and (3) can be fabricated at a low cost. The detector will possess many unique attractive properties that do not exist in any existing readouts for nuclear radiation detectors, such as PMTs, APDs. Phase I will demonstrate a detector element with high quantum efficiency and high gain at ultra low bias voltage. A fully functional detector will be developed in Phase II. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The detector technology should have commercial applications in nuclear radiation detection for nuclear physics, high energy physics, homeland security, medical imaging, optical communication, and environmental monitoring.