GAmma detection with New Advanced Scintillators - GANAS
Lead Research Organisation:
University of York
Department Name: Physics
Abstract
Historically, key advances in nuclear physics have been driven by advances in detector technology. An exciting prospect for new detector technology is that offered by novel scintillator materials which have very high energy resolution and excellent time response. The present project is part of an EU-wide initiative called NuPNET to develop new detectors for nuclear physics. The project, entitled GANAS, will look specifically at the potential of novel scintillators and also how these can be attached to novel photosensors. The York group will lead one of the work packages of this R&D project.
Planned Impact
This project has potential impact beyond nuclear physics as scintillator detectors are widely used in industry, from oil exploration to homeland security, and are also key to medical imaging methodologies such as PET and SPECT. All of these could be enhanced by the availability of detectors with higher energy resolution and improved time response. In particular, the novel photosensor aspect addressed by York is important in terms of exploring the potential for PET or SPECT imaging within the field of an MRI magnet. We will work with our collaborators, the York Neuroimaging Centre on this project.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
| David Jenkins (Principal Investigator) |
Publications
Jenkins D
(2015)
Novel scintillators and silicon photomultipliers for nuclear physics and applications
in Journal of Physics: Conference Series
| Description | We explored new detector technology related to gamma-ray spectroscopy. York was a work package leader on what was a wider European project with many project partners working on related aims. |
| Exploitation Route | We have already used the findings to develop a new product for Kromek PLC - a hand-held gamma-ray spectrometer. This was funded through a short KTP. The work here has also placed us to work on two follow-up STFC-funded projects related to hand-held gamma-ray spectrometers and oil and gas exploration. |
| Sectors | Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Energy,Environment,Security and Diplomacy |
| Description | We shared our results with our industrial partner Kromek PLC who are using them to inform the future design of their hand-held gamma-ray detector products. In November 2020, Kromek launched the D5 RIID dual gamma-ray/thermal neutron detector which uses a CLLBc crystal. The R&D for this was done at York building on the GANAS project work. This is reported as a specific software/technical item in this Researchfish submission. The D5 RIID is of high interest to homeland security agencies in the UK, US and worldwide. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2020 |
| Sector | Energy,Environment,Security and Diplomacy |
| Impact Types | Societal,Economic,Policy & public services |
| Description | Short-KTP |
| Amount | £47,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Innovate UK |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 03/2013 |
| End | 09/2013 |
| Title | Kromek D5 RIID |
| Description | This is a high energy resolution wearable gamma-ray/thermal neutron detector for homeland security developed by Kromek PLC. This was seeded by this earlier GANAS project where we investigated novel scintillator materials and among those latterly investigated beyond the award was CLLBc which is sensitive to both gamma rays and thermal neutrons. This R&D work done for Kromek at York was translated into the D5 RIID detector. |
| Type Of Technology | Detection Devices |
| Year Produced | 2020 |
| Impact | This device provides significant improvements over the earlier D3S RIID device which used CsI(Tl) as the scintillator crystal. The original D3S was developed for Kromek through a short KTP. |
| URL | https://www.kromek.com/product/d5-riid/ |
| Description | Nuclear physics outreach work |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | For the last ten years, I have been involved in a whole range of outreach activities related to nuclear physics, from lectures to local groups e.g. astronomical societies to lectures at major science festivals. A major focus has been on providing continuous professional development courses for teachers. These have taken place at several science learning centres including National Science Learning Centre in York. In addition, they have been given at Rutherford Lab and elsewhere. Around 500 teachers have been reached over the years. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2006,2007,2008,2009,2010,2011,2012,2013,2014,2015,2016 |