Bright Selenium Based Quantum Dot Scintillators

High-resolution scintillation crystals and crystal arrays are important components of current and future nuclear physics instruments and experiments. Unfortunately, the performance of the systems used in these experiments is often limited by the properties of the scintillation detectors presently available. In particular, scintillators that simultaneously can provide high light output, high stopping efficiency, fast response, high energy and timing resolution, and good proportionality, while low in cost, are needed. This project will develop a novel semiconductor scintillator based on nano-structured quantum dots (QD), which promises to produce a large increase in light yield, high X-ray absorption, fast light decay without afterglow, emission in the wavelength range most suitable for Si sensors, and much higher radiation resistance compared to current scintillators. Phase I will fabricate and characterize a set of candidate scintillators. Selected scintillators will be coupled to a fast silicon sensor, and their response to isotopic sources of radiation will be evaluated and compared to the existing scintillator data. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee In addition to the application to nuclear physics, a scintillator with very bright emission, high spatial resolution, high X-ray absorption efficiency, and rapid decay time with no afterglow should find uses ranging from macromolecular crystallography to medical imaging, and from nondestructive testing to polymer research.