Radiation Response of Nanoscintillators Using a Cathodoluminescence Spectrometer on an Electron Probe Microanalyzer
Abstract
Detection of high-energy X-ray radiation is of significance in DoD-related applications. To detect the X-ray radiation, various scintillator materials have been used. These materials can generate visible lights upon exposure to the high-energy radiation. However, so far the research on the radiation response of scintillator materials at the nanoscale is still limited, due to the challenges in the nanoscintillator fabrication and X-ray luminescence measurement. In this project, nanoscintillators will be synthesized by mechanical injection, electrospinning and solvothermal methods. These one-dimensional nanoscintillators will be tested on an Electron Probe Microanalyzer (EPMA) with field emission at FSU, equipped with a Cathodoluminescence (CL) Spectrometer. A novel experimental design is prosed to enable the fundamental X-ray luminescence measurement inside the EPMA, with the aid of the CL detector. This research will identify the factors controlling the X-ray luminescence of nanoscintillators, benefiting to high-sensitivity X-ray radiation detection with high spatial resolution and national security. The experimental method using EPMA has significant advantages over the traditional X-ray measurements as follows: (1) the microscope is well shielded so that it is very safe to carry out the X-ray measurement, while traditional methods use external X-ray generators, so the safety is a great concern to be addressed; and (2) the microscopy method offers additional capabilities for imaging and compositional analysis of the same samples from local regions instead of the entire sample by traditional method, so that the effects of size and composition on their radiation response can be identified. Fayetteville State University (FSU), located in the city of Fayetteville, the home of Fort Bragg, a major U.S. Army installation, is a Historically Black Colleague and University (HBCU) focusing on the education of African American and military students. More than 70% of the student population is classified as minorities, primarily African Americans, and nearly 20% have ties with the military. There are more female students than male students on the campus, in a ratio about 2:1. Three undergraduates and a Postdoctoral Associate will be supported to join the research team. This project will establish institutional research capabilities in radiation detection using nanoscintillators, and more African American minority and female students can be trained to conduct research in the DoD interest-areas for high-energy radiation detection.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Feb 14, 2019
- Source ID
- W911NF1810469
Entities
People
- Zhiping Luo
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Fayetteville State University
- Office of the Secretary of Defense