High-Z Halide Scintillators for Gamma-Ray Detection
Abstract
Materials are still limited in gamma-ray detection efficiency since they contain relatively light elements. Recently however, a new approach has been evolving to address this shortfall, wherein some of the lighter ions of well-studied scintillation materials are replaced with isovalent heavier ones (e.g. Cs or K replaced with Tl). This approach has shown considerable promise, increasing the effective Z and density of base compositions while often retaining or even improving the scintillation properties. In light of this promising trend, RMD, UTK and ORNL propose to study novel, high Z compositions derived from materials engineering and guided by modeling, theoretical calculations and experimental investigations. This research aims to discover state-of the-art scintillators for efficient and high-resolution gamma-ray detection for enhancing the CWMD mission as well as adding to the knowledge base in this important area. During the 3-year base period of the proposed program, we will use Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations to identify compounds, investigate phase diagrams in order to ascertain which identified compounds can be grown congruently, and perform a rigorous study of the scintillation properties of the selected compounds. In the optional phase of the project (years 4 and 5) we will expand our studies to include the effects of co-dopants as well as study how the selected crystals can be grown into larger volumes and analyze the effects of dopant uniformity in such crystals on the scintillation properties of the scintillators.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2019
- Source ID
- HDTRA11910014
Entities
People
- Edgar Vanloef
Organizations
- Defense Threat Reduction Agency
- Radiation Monitoring Devices (United States)