89
*STTR
Project: Novel Approach Toward High Performance Energetic Rays Detection
Dr.
Yalin Lu, Principal Investigator, yalinlu@lutronics.com
Ms.
Ling Li, Business Official, lingli@lutronics.com
DOE
Grant No. DE-FG02-03ER86162
Amount:
$749,894
Research
Institution
Lawrence
Berkeley
National Laboratory
Ultrafast
(sub-nanosecond), ultrahigh spatial resolution (sub-micron), and highly
efficient scintillator detectors are required for many time-resolved energetic
photon imaging and detection applications. However,
current scintillator screens only can achieve spatial resolutions in the range
of tens microns, response times in the range from hundreds nanoseconds to tens
microsecond, and poor light collection efficiency (<65%).
Near-band-edge emission semiconductor scintillators are promising
materials that could overcome the above insufficiencies, but the fabrication of
high quality materials is still a challenging task.
This project will develop a novel nano-fabrication technology for
fabricating direct wide bandgap semiconductor scintillator nanocrystal arrays.
Such arrays potentially could achieve sub-micron spatial resolution,
light output of approximately 200,000 photons per MeV, sub-nanosecond response,
and, theoretically, 100% light collection efficiency.
Phase I validated the proposed nanofabrication technology through the
development of large area scintillator nanocrystal arrays for potential
energetic photon detectors. The
arrays were overcoated with optical filling materials, and then subjected to
full scintillation characterizations. Phase
II will fully develop functional nano-arrayed scintillator screens, characterizing
them in terms of fast and bright luminescent properties.
Novel detection systems, based these innovative arrayed scintillator
screens, will be developed, charcterized, and commercialized.
Commercial
Applications and Other Benefits as
described by awardee: High
spatial resolution and fast response speed are key luminescence characteristics
for energetic photon and neutron detection and imaging.
The nanoarrayed detectors should have extensive applications in nuclear
detections, dynamic nondestructive tests, fast medical imaging,
macro-crystallography, and fundamental research areas where resolution and speed
are important.