Novel Scintillator for Nuclear Physics Studies

75416-The performance of nuclear physics detection systems is often limited by the properties of the scintillators that are presently available for neutron and gamma ray detection. This project will develop a new scintillator material that provides excellent light yield for neutrons and also provides pulse shape discrimination between neutron and gamma events. In addition, the new scintillator also will provide good performance for detecting gamma rays, including a very fast initial decay component. Phase I will demonstrate the feasibility of producing and characterizing the new scintillator for neutron and gamma detection. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The proposed detector technology should be very promising for nuclear and particle physics experiments. It also should have applicability in medical imaging systems, astronomy, diffraction, non-destructive studies, nuclear non-proliferation, and borehole logging.