Robust Spectroscopic Organic Scintillators for Detection of RN Materials
Abstract
The Georgia Institute of Technology proposes a multidisciplinary three-year research program to develop robust spectroscopic solid-state organic scintillators to advance autonomous radiological and nuclear (RN) search capabilities to counter nuclear threats. The proposed program builds on the strengths and complementary expertise of: Dr. Bernard Kippelen (PI), a recognized leader in organic light-emitting materials and devices technologies; Dr. Nolan Hertel (co-PI), a recognized radiation/nuclear detection expert with a strong background in modeling the response of radiation detection instruments; and Dr. Michael Shannon (co-PI), an expert in radiation detection to counter weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and improvised threats. The proposed program seeks to develop the science and technology to realize solid-state organic scintillators with gamma spectroscopy capabilities with an energy resolution better than 10% at 662 keV. The proposed scintillators will be developed into shapes of interest and optimized to be made from mechanically robust materials, displaying Young’s modulus values within a wide range. Additionally, the shapes of interest will be operationally deployable and lead to their mass production at low-cost into arbitrary shapes using rapidly adaptable manufacturing techniques including, injection-molding and 3D printing. This rapid and responsive capability will make these sensors highly suitable for potential incorporation into an array of platforms including, manportable, manwearable and unmanned systems. The proposed scintillators will be realized with two main classes of materials: polymers (thermoplastic, thermoset shape-memory polymers (SMP) and elastomers); and amorphous-solids. Polymers will be loaded with high-Z materials, novel light-emitting molecules displaying thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) at room temperature to harvest triplet excitons, and conventional fluorescent molecules as wavelength shifters. TADF-emitters can potentially harvest 100% of the excitations produced internally in response to neutron/gamma ray interactions, and represent a low-cost all-organic alternative to the use of phosphorescent molecules. Amorphous-solids will be based on TADF emitters loaded with high-Z and conventional emitters.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jul 16, 2019
- Source ID
- HDTRA11810033
Entities
People
- Bernard Kippelen
Organizations
- Defense Threat Reduction Agency
- Georgia Tech Research Corporation