Photonic nanostructures to revolutionise the position sensitivity of gamma-ray scintillator detectors

Lead Research Organisation: University of York
Department Name: Physics

Abstract

Ionising radiation is commonly used as a non destructive probe in medical imaging or other radiography methods to obtain information that is
not available through visual inspection. Detection of ionising radiation plays a major role also in homeland security and other applications as diverse as archeometry and history of art. Finally, detection of ionising radiation plays a key role in the quest for answering a wide range of fundamental physics questions. Some of the most widely used ionising radiation detectors are scintillating crystals, which covert the incoming radiation into visible, scintillation light that can be detected by photosensors coupled to the scintillator.
In this project we are interested in improving the sensitivity of scintillator detectors by developing an improved technology for coupling the scintillator surface to the photonsensors. This will provide a relatively economic way to improve a scintillator's performance and has the potential to impact many of the societal applications where these detectors are used but also offer an improved sensitivity for fundamental science research where such scintillators are commonly used.

Publications

10 25 50
 
Description In this project we investigated the possible improvement in position reconstruction of gamma rays within monolithic scintillators when an optical interface is introduced between the crystal surface and the photosensor. We performed optical simulations for different optical interfaces ranging from photonic nanostructures to micro-lenses. We have also performed experimental measurements with the microlenses. While different light patters are induced, the results have not shown overall a noticeable improvement in the position sensitivity of reconstructed gamma-ray interactions.
Exploitation Route If the results are further refined and improved sensitivity is demonstrated, it expected that this research can have impact on medical imaging and nuclear security industry.
Sectors Aerospace

Defence and Marine

Healthcare

Manufacturing

including Industrial Biotechology