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Fast Neutron Imaging Scintillator with Low Sensitivity to Gamma Radiation

Award Information
Agency: Department of Energy
Branch: N/A
Contract: DE-FG02-06ER84403
Agency Tracking Number: 81275S06-I
Amount: $749,999.00
Phase: Phase II
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: 25
Solicitation Number: DE-FG01-05ER05-28
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2006
Award Year: 2007
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
44 Hunt Street
Watertown, MA 02472
United States
DUNS: 073804411
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Irina Shestakova
 Dr
 (617) 668-6933
 Shestakova@rmdinc.com
Business Contact
 Gerald Entine
Title: Dr
Phone: (617) 668-6800
Email: GEntine@RMDInc.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

The detectors available for neutron radiation are still inadequate, primarily limited by the available scintillators. Scintillators that can simultaneously provide high spatial resolution, high neutron detection efficiency, low gamma sensitivity, and fast response time do not exist. This project will develop a structured scintillator that channels light to a digital optical detector, promoting very high spatial resolution, even for the thick scintillators needed for high detection efficiency. The structured scintillator will be inexpensive, will have low gamma sensitivity, and will have a response time of 2 ns. Phase I demonstrated the feasibility of producing the structured scintillator. High spatial resolution and fast decay time were demonstrated, with excellent luminescence under neutron excitation. Phase II will optimize scintillator compositions and parameters of the process. A special neutron-sensitive glass, for producing neutron-sensitive capillary array substrates, will be developed. This new development will improve the overall neutron stopping power of the proposed sensors. Large area prototype sensors will be fabricated and evaluated at neutron beam facilities, in order to demonstrate their efficacy for incorporation into advanced high resolution neutron detectors. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The structured scintillator should find widespread applications in neutron radiography and neutron crystallography. Detectors based on the proposed scintillator could be employed at any neutron source facility and would help advance basic research in material science, protein mechanisms research, and drug design. Further applications could be found in non-destructive testing and secuity scanning at entry ports and strategic facilities.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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