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New Approach for Lanthanide Halide Crystal Growth

Award Information
Agency: Department of Energy
Branch: N/A
Contract: DE-FG02-08ER85104
Agency Tracking Number: N/A
Amount: $99,999.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: 45 a
Solicitation Number: DE-PS02-07ER07-36
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2008
Award Year: 2008
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
 William Higgins
 Mr.
 (617) 668-6800
 BHiggins@RMDInc.com
Business Contact
 Gerald Entine
Title: Dr.
Phone: (617) 668-6800
Email: NMarshall@RMDInc.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

Gamma-ray spectrometers based on lanthanide halide scintillators are a very promising class of detectors for nuclear nonproliferation monitoring. They provide excellent energy resolution and fast response. However, the growth of large crystals of lanthanide halide scintillators using traditional melt based processes has been difficult, due to physical and chemical properties of lanthanide halides and the limitations imposed by the melt based crystal growth processes. This project will investigate a new approach for growing large crystals of lanthanide halide compositions that overcomes many of the problems faced by traditional melt-based growth approaches. Phase I will demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed approach. Optimization and scale-up of the new growth process is planned for Phase II. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The proposed detector technology should be very promising for nuclear nonproliferation monitoring. It also should be applicable to other gamma-ray imaging systems in astronomy, non-destructive evaluation, and medical imaging.

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

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