Public Abstract

DE-SC0025877: Development of Novel Li-Based Halide Dual Mode Scintillators for Neutron-Gamma Radiation Detection and Imaging

Award Status: Active

Institution: Fisk University, Nashville, TN
UEI: DRC6S9KLNLH1
DUNS:

Most Recent Award Date: 04/30/2025
Number of Support Periods: 1
PM: Kerch, Helen

Current Budget Period: 02/01/2025 - 01/31/2026
Current Project Period: 02/01/2025 - 01/31/2028
PI: Ariesanti, Elsa

Supplement Budget Period: N/A

Public Abstract

Development of Novel Li-Based Halide Dual Mode Scintillators for Neutron-Gamma Radiation Detection and Imaging PI: Dr. Elsa Ariesanti¹, Research Associate Professor Co-I(s): Dr. Rastgo Hawrami¹, Dr. Raphael Hermann² 1: Fisk University, Nashville, TN 37208 2: Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37830 This research focuses on a systematic study to investigate and grow novel lithium-based inorganic ternary halide scintillators, with higher detection efficiency for many applications, such as high-energy physics, medical imaging, geophysical exploration, and homeland security. The research specifically looks at lithium (Li) containing scintillation materials capable of dual mode gamma-neutron detectors. These Li-based ternary scintillators are highly sensitive to both gamma-rays and neutrons, with high light yields for both gamma-ray and neutron interactions. Initial results show that they are also capable of efficient discrimination between these different radiation types. The versatility of the proposed Li-containing scintillators is expected to be favorable in many detector applications that can benefit the nuclear industry, for example, for gamma-neutron discrimination as well as high resolution gamma or neutron detectors and imaging. Anticipated public benefits include the development and production of new dual mode gamma-neutron detectors with these favorable properties. This research also seeks to improve detector materials incorporated in radiation detectors or spectrometers that can be utilized in many applications, such as the ones utilized for nuclear nondestructive assay methods, as well as material control and accountancy for nuclear reactor safeguards and nonproliferation efforts. The main task of this research is the growth study of dual-mode scintillators and high-resolution gamma-ray scintillation detectors, as well as the investigation into their material properties. Bulk crystal growth is accomplished using the melt growth technique, from small to large diameter crystals. Based on characterization results, down-selection of the most promising compositions is carried out and the selected compositions are further studied in the research. Growth samples are extracted from the as-grown crystal boules by cutting with a diamond wire saw and processed by lapping and polishing. To characterize these scintillation crystal samples, Fisk University (Fisk) conducts measurements of basic scintillation properties such as light yield, decay time, and gamma-ray non-proportionality behavior, as well as other physical and optical properties. In this research Fisk collaborates with Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) to further characterize the properties of these novel Li-based halide dual-mode scintillators. After the initial gamma-ray characterization, powdered and/or small bulk samples from Fisk are sent to ORNL for crystal structure analyses. Information obtained from these analyses are used to improve the growth systems at Fisk and to further understand the preferrable growth condition for each composition. During this research Fisk sends appropriately processed and encapsulated samples for neutron and/or dual-mode detector characterization at the CG-1A neutron detection test station in ORNL. With this FAIR-funded research-based collaboration, Fisk faculty and students benefit from the state-of-the-art equipment and expertise at ORNL. Advancements in practical and theoretical knowledge are expected at both institutions. Fisk students have the opportunity to be mentored directly by Fisk and ORNL research personnel at each respective institution as well as gain rigorous research experience that can be adapted in their future academic and/or professional career and development at national laboratories or at other institutions. As part of this research, partial tuition and stipends, as well as an annual 8-week summer internship at ORNL, are available for Fisk Master students. Also included in this research are acquisition of a small neutron source and development of a small neutron facility at Fisk. This work includes utilizing Monte Carlo computer simulation to determine the appropriate shielding and other radiation safety issues, acquiring shielding and other radiation protection requirements, as well as acquiring a license as required by law.

Development of Novel Li-Based Halide Dual Mode Scintillators for Neutron-Gamma Radiation Detection and Imaging

PI: Dr. Elsa Ariesanti¹, Research Associate Professor

Co-I(s): Dr. Rastgo Hawrami¹, Dr. Raphael Hermann²

1: Fisk University, Nashville, TN 37208

2: Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37830

This research focuses on a systematic study to investigate and grow novel lithium-based inorganic ternary halide scintillators, with higher detection efficiency for many applications, such as high-energy physics, medical imaging, geophysical exploration, and homeland security. The research specifically looks at lithium (Li) containing scintillation materials capable of dual mode gamma-neutron detectors. These Li-based ternary scintillators are highly sensitive to both gamma-rays and neutrons, with high light yields for both gamma-ray and neutron interactions. Initial results show that they are also capable of efficient discrimination between these different radiation types. The versatility of the proposed Li-containing scintillators is expected to be favorable in many detector applications that can benefit the nuclear industry, for example, for gamma-neutron discrimination as well as high resolution gamma or neutron detectors and imaging. Anticipated public benefits include the development and production of new dual mode gamma-neutron detectors with these favorable properties. This research also seeks to improve detector materials incorporated in radiation detectors or spectrometers that can be utilized in many applications, such as the ones utilized for nuclear nondestructive assay methods, as well as material control and accountancy for nuclear reactor safeguards and nonproliferation efforts. The main task of this research is the growth study of dual-mode scintillators and high-resolution gamma-ray scintillation detectors, as well as the investigation into their material properties. Bulk crystal growth is accomplished using the melt growth technique, from small to large diameter crystals. Based on characterization results, down-selection of the most promising compositions is carried out and the selected compositions are further studied in the research. Growth samples are extracted from the as-grown crystal boules by cutting with a diamond wire saw and processed by lapping and polishing. To characterize these scintillation crystal samples, Fisk University (Fisk) conducts measurements of basic scintillation properties such as light yield, decay time, and gamma-ray non-proportionality behavior, as well as other physical and optical properties. In this research Fisk collaborates with Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) to further characterize the properties of these novel Li-based halide dual-mode scintillators. After the initial gamma-ray characterization, powdered and/or small bulk samples from Fisk are sent to ORNL for crystal structure analyses. Information obtained from these analyses are used to improve the growth systems at Fisk and to further understand the preferrable growth condition for each composition. During this research Fisk sends appropriately processed and encapsulated samples for neutron and/or dual-mode detector characterization at the CG-1A neutron detection test station in ORNL. With this FAIR-funded research-based collaboration, Fisk faculty and students benefit from the state-of-the-art equipment and expertise at ORNL. Advancements in practical and theoretical knowledge are expected at both institutions. Fisk students have the opportunity to be mentored directly by Fisk and ORNL research personnel at each respective institution as well as gain rigorous research experience that can be adapted in their future academic and/or professional career and development at national laboratories or at other institutions. As part of this research, partial tuition and stipends, as well as an annual 8-week summer internship at ORNL, are available for Fisk Master students. Also included in this research are acquisition of a small neutron source and development of a small neutron facility at Fisk. This work includes utilizing Monte Carlo computer simulation to determine the appropriate shielding and other radiation safety issues, acquiring shielding and other radiation protection requirements, as well as acquiring a license as required by law.